
Petition Calls on KBS to Prohibit BTS’s SUGA Following DUI Conviction
A petition demanding that SUGA of BTS be banned from KBS broadcasts has been submitted to the broadcaster’s viewer message board. The request specifically targets SUGA’s past drunk driving incident, asking KBS to review his eligibility for appearing on their programs.
Titled "Request to restrict SUGA’s appearance in relation to his DUI fine," the petition went up on June 23. The writer is urging KBS to bring the issue before its Broadcast Appearance Regulation Review Committee, stressing the seriousness of SUGA‘s offense and his role as a public figure who influences many young people.
Back in August 2024, SUGA was caught riding an electric scooter while intoxicated, with his blood alcohol content above 0.08%, over the legal limit for license revocation in South Korea. This happened while he was serving as a social service agent, and in September 2024, he was fined 15 million KRW (about 11,000 USD) through a summary order.
The petitioner made their position clear:
"Drunk driving is a serious offense that can directly endanger others. As a public figure with considerable influence over young people, SUGA’s continued appearances on television could weaken public awareness of the gravity of DUI crimes." Petitioner
They also pointed out that no action was taken sooner because the case was still under investigation at that time. However, since the fine became official on September 27, 2024, and with SUGA completing his alternative military service on June 21, 2025, the petitioner insists KBS should move quickly:
"Prompt and fair measures must be taken to maintain public trust and uphold the broadcaster’s responsibility as a public institution." Petitioner
KBS has a history of reviewing appearances of public figures involved in illegal or unethical acts. For example, actors like Kwak Do Won and singers such as Kim Ho Joong were temporarily banned from KBS shows following DUI-related cases.
Meanwhile, SUGA officially finished his military alternative service just this June. This marks the completion of mandatory military duties for all seven members of BTS, ramping up excitement among fans and the industry alike for the group’s possible comeback as a whole unit.