“I Hope He Sees This” — BTS Suga Support Billboards Exceed 400 at COEX Media Tower & Yeongsang Station

On September 27, 2024, more than 400 billboards featuring BTS member Min Yoongi, known as Suga, were prominently displayed across Seoul, South Korea. These billboards were reportedly set up by the BTS ARMY as a show of solidarity for the talented rapper-songwriter, who recently faced considerable backlash following a DUI incident in August 2024.

The billboards promoting Suga’s support were strategically placed around I’PARK Mall, COEX Mall, and Yongsan Station in Seoul, as well as in the surrounding station square. For those unfamiliar, the BTS rapper was accused of operating an electric scooter while under the influence on the evening of August 6, 2024, with reports indicating that his blood alcohol content (BAC) was approximately 0.08%, according to MBC Entertainment.

Meanwhile, the international BTS fandom expressed appreciation for the Echoes Of Purple Project, which organized this supportive campaign for their idol, currently serving his mandatory enlistment in the military. One fan shared on X:

“THANK YOU ALL. I hope he sees these. WE LOVE YOU YOONGI”

BTS ARMY on the platform expressed gratitude towards the fans who orchestrated this campaign to show unwavering support for Suga.

“Thank you to ARMYs who have the capacity to do so, apobangpo!”one fan wrote.

“I sincerely thank everyone who arranged these projects for Yoongi,”another fan wrote.

“I want him to see these so badly; I hope he does. He deserves to know we still adore and love him,”another fan added.

Other fans joined in supporting the viral post on X, reinforcing their love for BTS and its members.

“So thankful to global ARMYS for this wonderful #EchoesOfPurpleProject … let’s keep supporting #SUGA & BTS,”one fan commented.

“Our love for Yoongi & BTS will stay strong forever,”another fan added.

“Imagine trending tags to want him out, then going into 400+ stores to see his face and his team everywhere…”another fan wrote.

More on Suga’s DUI incident and JTBC’s false reporting

On August 7, 2024, it was reported by MBC Entertainment that Suga was charged with drunk driving after riding a foldable electric scooter/kickboard on August 6. He reportedly fell in front of his residence (Nine One Hannam) when approached by a police officer. According to the initial report from Yongsan police, his BAC level was around 0.08%. Suga issued an apology through a letter on Weverse on the morning of August 7.

On the same day, JTBC broadcasted misleading CCTV footage depicting an individual speeding in the opposite direction of Nine One Hannam, claiming it was the BTS idol. This led to public condemnation directed at Suga for reckless actions. Numerous media outlets, including Koreaboo, Chosun, and Yonhap, reported based on JTBC’s claims.

On August 15, Dong-A Ilbo clarified that JTBC’s CCTV footage was inaccurate. They released the authentic footage revealing that Suga was riding his kickboard at a speed under 30 km/hr, comparable to a bicycle’s pace.

The original CCTV footage displayed Suga wearing a helmet while riding his foldable electric scooter. He tripped and fell while making a turn in front of his home but quickly got up and picked up his helmet before being approached by three police officers. Following this event, BTS ARMY called for the Korean media to apologize to Suga.

On August 16, Maeil Business reported that JTBC publicly apologized for their misleading information disseminated on national television, which led to confusion by displaying unverified footage.

“On the 7th, our newsroom reported on BTS Suga’s drunk driving incident. We aired CCTV footage of him riding his electric scooter; however, after the police investigation, it was confirmed that the individual in the video was not Suga. We apologize for the confusion caused.”

On August 23, 2024, Min Yoongi was summoned by the Yongsan Police Department for questioning, where he was interrogated for three hours before being released. He offered another apology to reporters outside the police station.

Eventually, Suga was fined, but all charges against him were dismissed. The Yongsan Police Station confirmed that he did not need a license plate for his electric kickboard. The investigation was subsequently closed, indicating no further inquiries were necessary.

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