Is Korea being too harsh on Suga?


There has been a recent debate surrounding criticism of Suga, a global K-pop star, after his drunk driving incident. The incident, involving Suga riding an electric scooter under the influence with a record high blood alcohol concentration level, has sparked divided opinions among both local and international fans of BTS' dedicated fanbase, Army. While some international fans argue that Suga's case is different due to the use of an electric scooter rather than a car, Korean law classifies electric scooters as vehicles subject to the same penalties for driving under the influence. This differing perspective on DUI cases between Korea and other countries, along with the high moral and ethical standards placed on celebrities, has contributed to the divide on the issue, according to music critic Kim Do-heon. There are concerns that the intense pressure on Suga could lead to a tragic outcome similar to that of the late actor Lee Sun-kyun, who faced heavy scrutiny and allegations of drug use. However, it is noted that Lee's case involved adultery and illegal drug use, which are heavily scrutinized in Korea compared to the west. As stricter laws against drunk driving are introduced in Korea, there is a growing trend to strongly condemn such behavior, reflecting the country's evolving stance on moral and legal issues. However, local entertainment companies question the validity of excessive scrutiny directed at K-pop stars, while social media is seen as amplifying issues and spreading false reports. Professor Lee Jong-im of Seoul National University of Science & Technology suggests the need for significant changes in the media environment to discourage sensational, scandal-driven content and prioritize accurate information.


Previous Post Next Post