JTBC has officially issued an apology following the release of the incorrect Suga CCTV video in connection with the BTS member’s DUI incident.
JTBC Apologizes for Airing Wrong Suga CCTV Video
The situation first came to light when JTBC broke the news on August 7, 2024, reporting that SUGA was involved in a DUI case. As part of their coverage, the network aired what they claimed to be CCTV footage of SUGA riding an electric scooter down a main road. This footage quickly circulated, drawing significant attention from fans and the general public alike.
However, it was soon revealed that the footage shown by JTBC was incorrect. According to Dong-A Ilbo and subsequent police investigations, SUGA had indeed been riding an electric scooter, but he had been on the sidewalk rather than the main road as initially reported. BIGHIT MUSIC, SUGA’s management company, confirmed these details, clarifying that JTBC had mistakenly aired CCTV footage of another individual entirely.
On August 16, JTBC addressed this mistake during their live broadcast of ‘JTBC Newsroom.’ The anchor delivered an official apology, stating, “Our newsroom reported BTS member SUGA’s DUI on August 7. In the first part of our report, we aired CCTV footage of an electric scooter passing by on a main road. It was later confirmed through police investigations that the male in the video was not SUGA. We’re sorry for causing confusion.”
This incident has sparked criticism of JTBC’s journalistic standards, as the incorrect footage could have contributed to misunderstandings and unnecessary public scrutiny. Fans of BTS, known as ARMY, were particularly vocal about their concerns, emphasizing the importance of accurate reporting.
As the situation unfolds, the police are expected to summon SUGA for questioning regarding the DUI incident. This development is closely watched by both fans and the media, as the investigation continues to progress. JTBC’s apology, while necessary, has highlighted the need for careful and precise reporting, especially when it involves high-profile individuals like SUGA.