BTS’ SUGA Drunk Driving Case: JTBC Newsroom Apologises for Releasing Wrong CCTV Footage; KBS Issues Statement on Channel Ban
South Korean broadcaster JTBC has recently apologized after releasing incorrect CCTV footage in their coverage of K-Pop star Suga's recent drunk driving incident. Check out their statement.
BTS member Suga, who is currently fulfilling his civic duties by serving in the South Korean military, recently got involved in a major controversy after he got into a drunk driving incident while driving an e-scooter. The K-Pop star was reportedly found by the police officers who smelled alcohol from him. Soon after the news regarding the incident emerged online, BigHit Music released a statement apologising on behalf of the K-pop idol. Recently, South Korean news outlets found CCTV footage of Suga where he could allegedly be seen drunk driving. BTS’ SUGA DUI Case: Min Yoongi’s BAC Over Seven Times Legal Limit; Rapper Can Face Jail for Electric Scooter Incident - Reports.
However, the case took a turn after JTBC mistook incorrect footage, which has now led to a formal investigation against the media house. On August 18, it was reported that the Korea Communications Standards Commission would investigate JTBC Newsroom. This decision comes after the agency released misleading footage showing Suga recklessly crashing his E-scooter on the road. The footage quickly went viral, sparking a big debate online about its authenticity. However on thorough investigation, it was found out that the man in the clip was not Suga.
Korea Communications Standards Commission To Investigate JTBC Newsroom
In their statement, they said, "Our newsroom reported about BTS member Suga's DUI on August 7. In the first portion of our report, we showed a CCTV footage of an electric scooter passing by the main road. It was later confirmed through police investigations that the male in the video was not Suga. We are sorry for causing confusion."
JTBC Issues Formal Apology for the Blunder
KBS Issues Statement on Suga’s Possible Ban From the Channel
As per a report on August 16, Suga's possible ban from broadcast appearances amid his drunk driving case is being discussed. In a statement to Star News, KBS revealed that the K-Pop idol's military enlistment has a major role in the channel's decision. They said, "Suga is currently serving his alternative military duty, so he is not appearing on any KBS programs. A ban of his appearance is not an issue that needs to be discussed or addressed immediately. Moreover, since his case is under police investigation, we need to wait for the results." For the unversed, KBS has regulations for individuals involved in illegal activities and other controversies, which the Broadcast Appearance Review Committee reviews. BTS' Suga Latest Controversies Amid DUI Scandal Explained: From Bullying Accusations to Avoiding Social Worker Duties, K-Pop Star Min Yoon-gi Faces New Allegations.
Suga will be discharged from his mandatory military duties in June 2025 and later resume his activities as an artist.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 18, 2024 11:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).