BTS's Suga and Singer Kim Ho-joong Face Mosaic Censorship Amid Controversies

BTS member Suga and singer Kim Ho-joong have faced mosaic censorship.

On the 26th episode of tvN STORY's 'Chairman's People,' Hanbok master Park Sul-nyeo appeared, and the background featured photos of BTS and 'Mr. Trot' members in Hanbok, catching viewers' attention. Among the members, Suga and Kim Ho-joong's faces were mosaicked.

Suga is currently under public scrutiny for drunk driving on an electric scooter, while Kim Ho-joong is facing backlash for a hit-and-run incident. The mosaic censorship appears to be a measure considering public sentiment.

On the night of the 6th, around 11:15 PM, Suga was caught by police while riding an electric scooter under the influence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. His blood alcohol concentration was reported to be 0.227%, far exceeding the license cancellation threshold of 0.08%.

After the incident became public, Big Hit Music and Suga issued apologies, but referred to the electric scooter as an electric kickboard, raising suspicions of downplaying the incident. Additionally, Suga reportedly told the police he had only had "one beer," which fueled further criticism.

Currently serving as a social service agent, Suga appeared at the Yongsan Police Station on the 23rd for a three-hour investigation. The police are proceeding with the license cancellation process and will review the investigation details to determine further actions.

Kim Ho-joong was involved in a hit-and-run accident on May 9th at around 11:40 PM in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. After crossing the centerline and colliding with an oncoming taxi, he fled the scene. His manager later impersonated him at the police station, claiming to be the driver. The head of his agency, identified as Mr. Jeon, destroyed the black box memory card from Kim Ho-joong's vehicle.

Initially denying the drunk driving allegations, Kim Ho-joong admitted to the incident ten days later after completing a scheduled performance. He turned himself in 17 hours after the accident, making it impossible to accurately measure his blood alcohol level at the time of the incident. The prosecution decided not to charge him with drunk driving due to the difficulty in determining his blood alcohol concentration.

At the second trial held on the 19th, Kim Ho-joong admitted to all charges. He has reached a settlement with the victim and plans to submit additional transfer records. His final trial is scheduled for September 30th.

Choi Ji-ye, TenAsia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr