BTS members continue to be ‘banned from broadcasting
Recently, Korean public opinion was shocked when MBC network removed BTS member SUGA from a broadcast, further increasing the ongoing controversy. In the segment featuring CHA EUNWOO and BTS, MBC caused a stir when it cut SUGA out of a group photo with other members. Although some viewers understood MBC’s decision to “ban” SUGA because of his recent scandal, it still disappointed the BTS fan community.
MBC is not the first network to “ban” SUGA from appearing on its programs. A few days earlier, in the teaser for the new episode of the movie President’s People on cable channel tvN Story, viewers noticed that SUGA’s image was blurred in a group photo with BTS members. Not only SUGA, but trot singer Kim Ho Jong also had his face blurred in a similar teaser. This action came after Kim Ho Jong, like SUGA, faced backlash for violating traffic laws by driving drunk. tvN’s “death order” against SUGA has made fans extremely worried about his future.
There are also rumors that SUGA may be banned from appearing on KBS, a network known for its strict policies towards celebrities caught up in scandals. However, KBS responded to these reports by stating that they have not yet established a “Review Committee to consider banning SUGA (BTS) due to his DUI incident”. Even so, the network has acknowledged the public backlash and remains uncertain what its next steps will be.
On August 30, Yongsan Police Department in Seoul officially transferred SUGA’s case to the prosecutor’s office. The BTS member will face drunk driving charges, a development that has been widely reported in the media. Previously, on August 23, SUGA underwent a lengthy investigation in which he was said to have admitted to all charges related to his recent behavior.
The situation continues to develop, leaving BTS fans anxiously waiting to see how these developments will affect SUGA’s career and the group’s future in the Korean entertainment industry.
