ARMYs Question Korean Media And Police’s Possible Regulation Flouting In BTS Suga’s DUI Investigation

This article is part of our coverage of BTS Suga’s DUI Case. You can read more and view the entire timeline here.

On August 23, KST, BTS member Suga appeared at the Yongsan Police Station for questioning in relation to his recent drunk-driving incident. The rapper was previously caught driving an electric scooter while drunk on August 6, 2024.

During Suga’s appearance, major news outlets were seen camped outside the precinct building, and some reporters even followed him to the main gate, throwing multiple questions at him about the incident. Suga paused briefly in front of the press to apologize and promised to cooperate diligently with the investigation.

After local media outlets released footage of Suga arriving at the police station, ARMYs took to social media, questioning how it was allowed in the first place. Many pointed out that the rapper was basically made to walk through a media lineup outside the police station, which is legally prohibited under South Korean law.

How is this allowed ?? wtf is going on with that country pic.twitter.com/HS5qrSLKwe

— Min yoongi is mina's world (@Mina_yoonie) August 22, 2024

this is a photo line. pretending it's anything but is stupid. the police has a clear directive to prohibit this. their failure to do so is just as disgusting as the vulturous media. https://t.co/XMyf4K5cPZ

— 🎼p a b o⁷🎼 (@aegyoeobta) August 22, 2024

what gets me is that this is supposed to be illegal so technically these reporters are committing a CRIME in front of the police station with no intervention or punishment.. these are the same ppl harassing yoongi for riding a kickboard at snail speed for less than 2 minutes https://t.co/EcECyYqPJO

— 𖨆 (@fanciIab) August 22, 2024

When it comes to police investigations, South Korea does have multiple laws in place to protect the sanctity of the investigation itself, as well as the personal rights of the individuals involved in a case. Regulations on Public Information Regarding Police Investigations and Related Cases provide multiple guidelines for the police to follow for all investigative processes. Article 15 (Prohibition on Disclosure of Attendance Information of Individuals Involved in a Case) stipulates that the police cannot disclose any information about the arrival, departure, or transportation of individuals involved in a case when they appear for summons.

The head of a police station must not disclose information regarding the time, place, or details related to the attendance, departure, or transportation of individuals involved in a case.

— Article 15

Article 16 (Prohibition on Filming of Investigative Processes) also entrusts the police with the responsibility of prohibiting the media from exposing the involved parties in the investigation to ensure safety.

The head of a police station must prohibit the filming, recording, or broadcasting of investigative processes, including attendance, investigation, seizure and search, arrest, and detention, by the media or other individuals. However, if it is unavoidable that such processes are filmed, recorded, or broadcasted, measures must be taken to prevent the exposure of individuals involved in the case and to avoid any disruption to the investigation while ensuring safety.

— Article 16

While fans have raised these concerns regarding Suga’s investigation, neither of the accused parties has addressed them as of yet. Meanwhile, you can read more about the case below:

BTS Suga’s DUI Case: A Full Breakdown