#HighestFineForAnIdol_WhoCanDoItLikeYou
#DrunkDriving_CelebrityExpulsion_SugaIsNext
#HarmfulInfluence_KickOutDrunkDrivers
Hashtag campaign started at 9 PM
Despite surpassing 20,000 hashtags, it hasn’t trended due to reports from those opposing Suga’s withdrawal.
Update: Hashtag count surpasses 30,000
40,000 tweets
Major accounts are encouraging reporting
Statement
Regarding BTS Suga (real name Min Yoongi), who was booked for driving under the influence with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.227% on August 6, 2024, we, ARMYs calling for Suga’s withdrawal from BTS, strongly assert the following opinions to Suga and BigHit Music:
1. Suga and BigHit Music must not undermine the moral values of Korean society.
Suga’s blood alcohol concentration of 0.227% is the highest among idols caught for drunk driving, nearly three times the 0.08% threshold for license revocation. If a BTS member, who influences fans worldwide, commits drunk driving, and the fandom defends this, it could dull society’s awareness of the dangers of drunk driving, causing significant harm.
If a member who drove while heavily intoxicated continues activities without consequences due to the group’s global popularity, it would set a dangerous precedent of evading responsibility. The group and the agency will inevitably face criticism for prioritizing “economic value” over the “moral values” of Korean society.
2. Suga must take responsibility for deceiving fans and the public.
In his first apology, Suga referred to his electric scooter as an electric skateboard and claimed ignorance of the illegality of drunk driving. Furthermore, his second handwritten apology lacked an honest acknowledgment of his previous lies, offering only hollow words of responsibility, leaving fans deeply disappointed.
Suga has been delivering positive messages and societal critiques through his music as a BTS member. However, by committing the criminal act of drunk driving, he has lost the sincerity behind his music and messages. This is a betrayal and deception to the many fans who have loved his music.
As a Korean citizen, it is only right for Suga to face legal consequences for his crime. As a public figure and BTS member, he must also take responsibility for deceiving the public and fans through his reckless driving and false explanations, which have shattered trust in him as an artist.
3. BigHit Music has a responsibility to uphold the value of BTS as artists.
Korean society holds a highly negative perception of celebrities, especially idols, involved in drunk driving. Public broadcasters have long restricted the appearances of celebrities who commit various social crimes. To date, no member of a third-generation idol group who has caused controversy over drunk driving has remained in their group.
If Suga remains in the group despite his drunk driving, BTS and ARMY’s mutual pride in facing the world with confidence will be significantly diminished.
Therefore, we, ARMYs calling for Suga’s withdrawal from BTS, strongly demand the following from BigHit Music and Suga:
1. BigHit Music must release an official statement regarding Suga’s future group activities.
2. Suga must take responsibility for this incident by immediately withdrawing from the group.
We will continue to take firm action until BigHit Music makes an official statement about Suga’s group activities and Suga withdraws from the group.
September 2024
ARMYs calling for BTS Suga’s withdrawal
ARMYs who demand Suga’s withdrawal argue that since he received the maximum fine for a first-time offender (15 million KRW) for drunk driving, he should take not only legal but also social responsibility.
Update
Comment #2: I submitted the statement, but there seems to be no place reporting it as news.
Comment #6: Yeahㅠㅠ Articles supporting his non-withdrawal get published even without proof of being ARMY, but those who support his withdrawal, even when proving they’re ARMY and submitting statements or organizing truck protests, are just being buried. I’m writing this because I feel bad and want more attention, even from other fandoms. I gathered the courage to write because I think it’s absurd that HYBE is allowing a celebrity with a drunk driving record to return to activities in 2025, without any reflection, let alone considering withdrawal. I hope this gains more public attention.
-The company or the person themselves should make a decision on this, but HYBE’s stance seems to be just dismissing it as fangirls causing trouble. If he was the type to leave, he would have already done so. I wonder what will happen.
-HYBE’s actions, on top of the drunk driving, have completely drained my patriotism.
-If he truly thought about his members and fans, wouldn’t he leave on his own?
-Wow, it seems like HYBE’s PR team is really working hard not to let this statement become newsㅋㅋ
-I don’t think he will leave. The international fandom will go crazy if he does.
-Min Suga, just leave the group.
-At least his fans are still normal.
-He still hasn’t left the group?? HYBE is holding onto a criminal. Are they only thinking about sending him on worldwide tours?
-Hey, just leave already… I can’t even look at the other six members because of youㅡㅡ I want to erase every second I spent liking you as my favorite. Just leave.
-At least there are some sane fans. I’m relieved.
– support the fans who are speaking up about this… It’s shocking to see some fans saying that if he just shows remorse for drunk driving, it’s enough.
-Suga, aren’t you ashamed in front of the other members? Can you really just keep on smiling and performing after committing a crime? I can’t understand it at all. Take responsibility and leave the group.
-It’s only the sane fans who are suffering… I know this because I’m a HYBE stan myself… We’re suffering a lot.
