BTS Suga’s Drunk Driving Controversy: A Look At K-pop Idols Who Left Their Groups After Similar Incidents

Here are some male K-pop idols who quit their groups after instances involving drunk driving.

Former Coed School member Cha Joo Hyuk was found guilty of breaching the Narcotics Control Act in 2016 and received a one-year and six-month prison sentence. He was also accused of speeding through a stop sign while intoxicated and injuring three pedestrians. In 2018, Cha Joo Hyuk was set free after serving his time.

After colliding with two taxis in October 2009, former Super Junior member Kangin ran away from the scene and turned himself in a few hours later. However, a few years later, he ended up in another DUI accident. Until recently, he had been on hiatus; he formally left Super Junior in 2019.

Former AB6IX member Lim Youngmin was arrested for drunk driving on May 31, 2020. Brand New Music officially confirmed his departure from the group on June 8.

Heo Chan, a former member of VICTON, was arrested for driving while drunk in September 2022 after partying with friends. He left the group and had his driver's license revoked.

Teo, a former member of DKB, left the group in November 2023 after being found driving under the influence in October. His driver's license had been cancelled and at the time, he got a warning from his company about his inappropriate conduct.

Shin Hyesung, a former member of Shinhwa, had his first DUI in April 2007. In October 2022, he had another DUI. He was found dozing off in a reportedly stolen car, and this led to his arrest for drunk driving.