Amid police investigation, it was revealed that BTS Suga's blood alcohol content was 0.227%, which is seven times higher than the legal limit. As a result, K-media & netters discussed possible punishments he might face after his DUI case.
On August 9, the Yongsan Police Station said that when Suga had an accident while drunk driving an electric scooter on the 6th, the breathalyzer test result revealed that his blood alcohol content (BAC) was 0.227%.
At the time, Suga is said to have stated:
"I drank a glass of beer and drove for a short while."
In South Korea, the legal limit is 0.03%, exceeding the BAC for license revocation standard, which is 0.08% or higher.
According to KBS News, Suga's BAC is at the level that allows for increased punishment under the current law. According to the Road Traffic Act, a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher is subject to license cancellation, imprisonment for 1 to 2 years, or a fine of 5 to 10 million won ($3.66k to $7.33k).
However, Suga, whose BAC exceeded 0.2%, may face a prison sentence of 2 to 5 years or a fine of 10 to 20 million won ($7.33k to $14.65k).
Moreover, among K-pop idols who faced DUIs, he had the highest BAC, which is the same level as actress Kim Saeron. Looking at what happened to the female star, Suga may lose all of his current brand deals and works, or worse; the K-pop icon might be blacklisted in the entertainment industry.
Many Koreans were already refusing to support the idol, and even voices demanded that he withdraw from BTS to protect the group's image and reputation.
Meanwhile, Suga, who has been serving in the military as a social worker, is currently being investigated after he fell while parking after riding an electric scooter while intoxicated.
ALSO READ: Should Suga Leave BTS After His DUI Issue? K-pop Fans Weigh in on Case's Seriousness
Based on a recent police report, Suga's license has not been revoked yet. But once he does, he won't be able to re-obtain his license for one year.
Initially, his label Big Hit Music stated that he rode a kickboard. Still, after CCTV footage was retrieved from the Yongsan-gu area, it was corrected to be an electric scooter with a fixed seat that could go as fast as 30km/h.
Suga was then accused of downplaying the issue, but on August 8, Big Hit released a follow-up statement clarifying that they didn't intend to downplay the accident.
READ MORE: BTS Suga Apologizes For Driving Electric Scooter While Drunk + BIGHIT MUSIC Addresses Incident
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Written by Eunice Dela Cruz
