ENTERTAINMENT
Latin American BTS Fans Rally in Support of Suga Amid DUI Allegations
On the 28th, multiple X posts revealed that Latin American ARMY (BTS fandom) sent a billboard truck to the HYBE headquarters in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, expressing their support for Suga and their desire to maintain the seven-member lineup of BTS. The truck's billboard displayed messages such as 'Morning will come again, no summer or season lasts forever' and 'Everything will be alright.'
Additionally, the Latin American fan union expressed their support through bus stop advertisements near the headquarters, with banners stating 'BTS IS SEVEN' and 'Everything will be alright.'
Previously, some fans expressed significant disappointment and called for Suga's departure from the group following his DUI incident.
In contrast, the Latin American ARMY union publicly declared their support for all seven members of BTS, including Suga. Given the vast and diverse nature of BTS's fandom, opinions on the matter are divided.
However, some analysts suggest that the lenient reaction from the Latin American BTS fandom towards DUI might be influenced by their own cultural attitudes towards drinking and driving. In Mexico, for instance, drinking is often seen as a way to display masculinity. Statistics show that 62.8% of men and 53.8% of women believe that 'life is joyful when drinking,' indicating a deeply ingrained alcohol-friendly mindset.
Moreover, countries like Mexico, Chile, and Argentina are witnessing a surge in DUI cases. In Chile, for example, there were approximately 30,000 DUI cases annually between 2009 and 2017, resulting in around 5,140 traffic accidents, 5,070 injuries, and 165 deaths.
Similarly, Argentina has seen a rise in DUI cases, with about 30% of all drivers involved in such incidents.
Meanwhile, Suga was caught by the police on the night of the 6th at around 11:15 PM in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, while riding an electric scooter under the influence. His blood alcohol concentration was reported to be 0.227%, significantly above the license cancellation threshold of 0.08%, indicating a state of heavy intoxication.
Following the incident's media exposure, both Big Hit Music and Suga issued apologies, but controversy arose when the incident was downplayed by referring to the electric scooter as an electric kickboard. Additionally, Suga reportedly told the police that he had only consumed 'about one beer,' which further fueled 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's findings to determine further actions.
Reporter Choi Ji-ye, TenAsia wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr
