BTS is back in the spotlight, but not for their music. The group’s recent controversies have once again put them in the news. This time, rapper Suga is facing legal trouble after being fined and having his license revoked for drunk driving while operating an electric scooter. The incident occurred on the night of July 6, when Suga, whose real name is Min Yoongi, was caught by police while intoxicated. BigHit Music, BTS’s management, and Suga both issued apologies on Weverse, with Suga acknowledging his mistake: “I thought complacently that it was a short distance, not realizing I was not allowed to ride the electric scooter while intoxicated, breaking the road traffic act.” This apology comes amid Suga’s ongoing mandatory military service.
The current scandal adds to a string of controversies BTS has faced over the years. In November 2018, BigHit Music had to apologize after BTS members were photographed in outfits featuring Nazi symbols and atomic bomb imagery. The company issued a statement expressing regret and clarifying that the performance aimed to critique totalitarian regimes, not to glorify them.
In 2019, BTS’s Jungkook found himself at the center of dating rumors after leaked CCTV footage showed him with a female friend, Lee Mi-joo. Although the agency denied the rumors and took legal action against the leaker, Jungkook still felt compelled to apologize during BTS’s Bon Voyage 4, saying, “I’m very sorry to the fans. I still feel guilty about it.”
Earlier, in 2016, BTS’s lyrics faced backlash for misogyny. BigHit Entertainment addressed the issue by acknowledging that some lyrics could be perceived as critical of women and apologized for any discomfort caused. The company promised to be more mindful in future songwriting processes.
In 2020, Suga’s mixtape “D-2” stirred controversy over a vocal sample deemed inappropriate. BigHit Music admitted an error in the selection process and promptly removed the offending track segment. They expressed regret, with the artist feeling a deep sense of responsibility.
BTS, formed in 2010 and debuting in 2013, is known for its extensive discography, including popular albums like “Love Yourself: Tear” and “Soul: 7,” and hit singles such as “Butter” and “Permission to Dance.” The group is currently on a hiatus due to members fulfilling their mandatory South Korean military service, with plans to reunite in 2025.
Despite their massive success, BTS and BigHit Music continue to navigate a series of public relations challenges, each incident prompting apologies and reassurances from the group and their management.