Asian Junkie Asian pop. Without discretion.
In case you missed it, BTS member Suga got into hot water with authorities after he allegedly rode his electric scooter home drunk. Both he and BIGHIT MUSIC ended up apologizing for his actions, and in an update, CCTV of Suga allegedly riding his scooter was released.
What led to further public scrutiny is that he and BIGHIT seemingly tried to downplay the incident as being a kickboard while police said it was a scooter, and the video seemed to confirm the police’s version of the story. Additionally, they represented the case as resolved, when it was still under investigation.
After backlash for the discrepancies, now BIGHIT has explained and apologized for inaccuracies.
1) Regarding the use of the term “electric kickboard”
We determined that the vehicle used by the artist was a kickboard with a seat attached to it, so we described it as an “electric kickboard.” In the process of checking further, we learned that the categorization of the vehicle may differ based on its capabilities and specifications, and we also learned that the scope of liability for the accident could change as well. We had absolutely no intention of downplaying the incident, as some are saying we did. We apologize once again for hastily making a statement without reviewing the incident more carefully. When the investigative authorities come to a decision on the categorization of the vehicle in question, we will diligently take full responsibility according to their decision.
2) Regarding the imposition of a fine and the revocation of [Suga’s] license
On August 6, after the artist underwent the police’s breathalyzer test at the scene of the incident, he was immediately sent home.
Both our agency and the artist did not realize that there were still steps remaining to be taken in the investigative process, and we mistakenly thought that the case in question had been closed. In light of the severity of the case, we apologize for having conveyed misinformation due to internal communication errors.
Seriously man, who is running PR or whatever for HYBE? What are they doing?
While this would’ve been treated as serious anyway due to his high profile, idol status, and current military service, there’s almost been more discussions about whether HYBE is lying and/or downplaying this or not, which only both extends the media cycle and leads people to approach it with even more skepticism. As a result of them fudging the small stuff, people are doubting other details of the story as well, and you know what? It’s hard to blame them. The skepticism logically follows.
