Some BTS fans have placed billboards expressing support for BTS' Suga at locations around the popular I'PARK Shopping Center and Yongsan Station.
According to Korean media, two large billboards were displayed on the walls near Exit 1 and Exit 2 of Yongsan Station and the station plaza, to show their support for Suga after he was involved in a recent drunk driving scandal.
However, this has sparked a debate among Korean netizens, with many questioning whether it is too early to show such public support for the male idol?
Not only that, some people pointed out that the image of BTS' Suga on the advertisement was offensive because the male idol looked like he was drunk.
Some viewers pointed out: "I suspect this is the action of a male idol's anti-fan because releasing an advertisement at this time is very sensitive."
"If they are domestic fans, they should know that doing so will only bring him more criticism, is no one stopping them?" - another viewer commented.
Others suspect that this series of ads may have been edited because if true, this would be an unwise move by the Suga BTS fan community.
"Defending an idol who drives drunk is like supporting a criminal. They really don't think clearly" - another viewer commented.
Previously, on September 10, the Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office, Criminal Division 2 (headed by Chief Prosecutor Chu Hye Yoon) announced that BTS' Suga has been indicted. Suga is facing charges of drunk driving under the Korean Road Traffic Act.
According to the summary of the indictment, the court will impose fines or penalties based on the documents rather than holding a formal trial. The exact amount of the fine has not been disclosed.
Suga was discovered by police on August 6, near his residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan District, Seoul, after falling while driving an electric scooter while intoxicated.
He was arrested for violating the Road Traffic Act. At the time, Suga's blood alcohol level was measured at 0.227%, significantly above the 0.08% threshold for license revocation.
According to the Korean Road Traffic Act, a blood alcohol concentration of 0.2 percent or higher can result in a prison sentence of two to five years or a fine of 10 million to 20 million won (about $7,500 to $15,000).
