A petition has been submitted to KBS’s viewer message board, calling for BTS member SUGA to be banned from appearing on broadcasts due to a past drunk driving offense.
The petition, titled "Request to restrict SUGA’s appearance in relation to his DUI fine," was posted on June 23. The author urged KBS to convene its Broadcast Appearance Regulation Review Committee to evaluate SUGA's eligibility for appearances, citing the severity of his offense and his influence on the public.
SUGA was fined 15 million KRW (approximately 11,000 USD) via a summary order in September 2024 after being caught riding an electric scooter under the influence on August 6, 2024, while serving as a social service agent. His blood alcohol level reportedly exceeded 0.08%, which is above the legal limit for license revocation in South Korea.
The petitioner wrote, "Drunk driving is a serious offense that can directly endanger others. As a public figure with considerable influence over young people, SUGA's continued appearances on television could weaken public awareness of the gravity of DUI crimes."
They added that KBS had not taken action earlier, citing the ongoing investigation at the time. However, the petitioner emphasized that SUGA’s fine was finalized on September 27, 2024, and that he was officially discharged from alternative service on June 21, 2025. Therefore, they urged the committee to act swiftly, stating, "Prompt and fair measures must be taken to maintain public trust and uphold the broadcaster's responsibility as a public institution."
KBS operates an internal review process to determine whether individuals involved in unlawful or unethical behavior should be restricted from appearing on-air. In the past, actor Kwak Do Won, and singer Kim Ho Joong were all temporarily barred from appearing on KBS programs due to DUI-related offenses.
Meanwhile, SUGA completed his military alternative service on June 21, 2025. With all seven BTS members now having fulfilled their mandatory military duties, anticipation is growing over the group’s potential return as a full unit.
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