Every year, a recurring incident in the entertainment industry is drunk driving. This year, singer Kim Ho-joong and BTS member Suga found themselves at the center of controversy due to drunk driving. Kim Ho-joong, known as 'Tvarotti' (Trot + Pavarotti) and boasting a powerful fandom, faced public outrage for a hit-and-run incident while driving under the influence, while Suga was criticized for driving drunk while serving as a social service agent. We take a look at the drunk driving incidents of these two stars, which have made more headlines in social news than entertainment news this year.
Kim Ho-joong is accused of drunk driving and fleeing the scene after colliding with a taxi on May 9 at around 11:44 PM on Apgujeong Road in Gangnam, Seoul. Following the incident, his manager, Mr. Jang, turned himself in on his behalf, and there were allegations of organized crime cover-up when the head of the agency swallowed the vehicle's black box memory.
From the moment of the accident, Kim Ho-joong maintained that he “did not drive under the influence,” but as circumstances began to unfold, he admitted to drinking just ten days later, stating, “I deeply regret and reflect on my actions.” However, he continued to hold concerts and requested a postponement of the court's substantive examination date, claiming he had scheduled performances, which drew fierce criticism for his lack of self-reflection.
To avoid punishment for drunk driving, Kim Ho-joong allegedly employed a method known as ‘alcohol avoidance’ by intentionally drinking more. The prosecution stated that Kim Ho-joong was in a state where normal driving was difficult due to intoxication, but they could not clearly specify his blood alcohol concentration at the time of the accident, leading to no charges for drunk driving.
On November 13, the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 26 (Judge Choi Min-hye) sentenced Kim Ho-joong to 2 years and 6 months in prison for charges of dangerous driving resulting in injury and fleeing the scene under the Specific Crimes Aggravated Punishment Act, as well as failure to take measures after an accident and aiding a criminal under the Road Traffic Act.
The court stated, “(After the drunk driving accident, Kim Ho-joong fled to a motel and bought beer before checking in, raising doubts about whether he felt any guilt for his wrongdoing as an adult),” but noted that they considered his late acknowledgment of the crime and the fact that he reached an agreement with the victim when determining the sentence.
However, Kim Ho-joong submitted an appeal immediately after the first trial verdict, and the prosecution, which sought a 3-year and 6-month prison sentence at the sentencing hearing, also filed an appeal. As a result, Kim Ho-joong's hit-and-run trial is expected to continue into 2025.
On September 27, Judge Lee Yoo-seob of the Seoul Western District Court issued a summary order imposing a fine of 15 million won on Suga, who was summarily indicted for drunk driving under the Road Traffic Act. A summary order is a procedure that imposes fines or penalties through written proceedings for relatively minor offenses.
Suga was found by police after falling while riding an electric scooter near his home in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, at around 11:19 PM on August 6, after drinking. At the time of the drunk driving detection, Suga's blood alcohol concentration was 0.227%, which far exceeds the license suspension threshold of 0.08%.
After the news of his drunk driving became public, Suga admitted to violating traffic laws, stating that he was unaware that using an ‘electric scooter’ while intoxicated was prohibited, and acknowledged, “There were police officers nearby, and as a result of the breathalyzer test, my license was suspended, and a fine was imposed.”
However, as it became clear that Suga had been riding an electric scooter and that the police had not suspended his license, the circumstances of his misleading explanation began to emerge, leading to a growing backlash. The situation was particularly concerning given that Suga was fulfilling his military service as a social service agent.
Ultimately, on the 23rd of the same month, Suga became the first member of BTS to stand at the police photo line, a dishonor. Standing before reporters, Suga said, “I am sorry that the members who have always believed in me are going through a difficult time because of me. I also understand the disappointment that my fans, who have supported and cheered for me, must feel. I can only express my apologies to the fans who have given me so much love despite my shortcomings.”
He later corrected his previous statement in a second apology on the 25th, clarifying that the vehicle he was riding was an ‘electric scooter.’ He said, “I apologize for the confusion caused by my hasty first apology on the 7th,” and added, “I will strive to ensure that I do not repeat my mistakes and will live with regret.”
After Suga's drunk driving incident, some ARMY (the fandom name for BTS) held a flower protest in front of their agency, demanding Suga's departure from the group. In response, 127 ARMY groups from 58 countries around the world issued a joint statement, stating, “The global ARMY alliance does not demand more responsibility from the members than what is legally required,” indicating a division within the fandom.
Suga, who received a summary order imposing a fine of 15 million won for drunk driving under the Road Traffic Act, continues to fulfill his military service obligations. He is scheduled to be discharged in June next year.
[Lee Da-kyum, Star Today Reporter]
