JTBC Apologizes for Misreporting CCTV Footage in BTS Suga Drunk Driving Case
Aug 17, 2024
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During the August 16th broadcast of JTBC's 'Newsroom,' it was confirmed that the individual in the video was not Suga. The broadcaster acknowledged the error at the end of the program, stating, "We apologize for the confusion caused."
The controversy began on August 7th, when 'Newsroom' aired a CCTV clip showing a man on an electric scooter driving against traffic on a 10-lane boulevard in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The program reported that the man in the video was Suga, but new footage later surfaced, showing Suga riding in the opposite direction on a nearby sidewalk, sparking further debate.
Following the backlash, JTBC deleted the video. However, BTS's fandom, ARMY, responded by pressuring advertisers of 'Newsroom,' demanding the withdrawal of their ads.
Suga was reportedly stopped by police on August 6th while riding an electric scooter near his home in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. A breathalyzer test conducted at the scene indicated a blood alcohol level of 0.227%, well above the legal limit for license revocation, which is 0.08%.
The situation became more contentious when it was revealed that Suga initially referred to the vehicle as an "electric kickboard" instead of an "electric scooter" in his apology. Additionally, Suga allegedly downplayed his alcohol consumption, telling police he had only consumed "about a glass of beer." These discrepancies have led to divisions within the fandom, with some supporting Suga while others have called for accountability.
The controversy was further fueled by allegations of negligence in service on Suga's part. The police have now completed mapping Suga's route on the night of the incident and plan to summon him soon for further questioning to clarify the amount of alcohol consumed and the circumstances surrounding the event.
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