▲ This image provided by Big Hit Music shows Suga of K-pop superband BTS. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, Aug. 12 (Yonhap) -- BTS member Suga is facing allegations of riding an electric scooter while intoxicated, sparking a wave of controversy as a new social media challenge, dubbed the "Suga Challenge," gains traction internationally. This challenge involves users posting photos of themselves holding a steering wheel and a bottle of alcohol simultaneously.

 

However, there are increasing claims that this challenge is a hoax orchestrated by anti-fans of BTS, rather than genuine supporters.

 

According to the K-pop industry on the 12th, numerous posts have surfaced on social media platform X under the hashtag "Suga Challenge," featuring photos of individuals inside vehicles, holding bottles of alcohol. The users posting these photos often include messages like "I will always support Suga" or "I'll stand with him," seemingly showing their support for the BTS member.

 

Yet, there is growing evidence that these posts are part of a coordinated effort by anti-fans pretending to be BTS supporters. These individuals are reportedly taking images from other social media platforms, such as Pinterest, and repurposing them for this fabricated challenge.

 

Adding fuel to the fire, some users are posting under the same hashtag, mocking Suga by sharing images of themselves drinking from bottles while driving, further intensifying the online conflict.

 

Meanwhile, Suga was booked by police on the 7th for allegedly riding an electric scooter while intoxicated. Both Suga and his agency, BigHit Music, have stated their intention to fully cooperate with the authorities.

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]