BTS' SUGA's DUI case resurfaces after Kim Sae-ron's death: BLACKPINK, Stray Kids fans steer up fanwars?amid?tragedy

On February 16, the South Korean entertainment industry was shaken by the tragic news of actress Kim Sae-ron's passing at the age of 24. According to reports, emergency services were called to her residence after a friend, who was scheduled to meet her, discovered her unresponsive body and immediately alerted authorities.

Police have stated that there were no signs of forced entry, though an investigation is underway to determine the cause of her death, The Korea Herald reported. Her sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the industry, with colleagues, friends, and fans mourning her loss and expressing their heartfelt condolences.

Why is BTS' SUGA trending?

As fans expressed their condolences online, especially on X (formerly known as Twitter), many K-pop fans used the news of her passing to target BTS rapper SUGA. What is the connection between SUGA and Kim Sae-ron? Both have past DUI cases.

Kim Sae-ron was at the center of a high-profile drunk driving incident in Seoul, which led to significant property damage and legal consequences. In contrast, SUGA's case involved an incident when he was riding an electric kickboard¡ªhe fell while taking a sharp turn into his building, but no one was harmed.

BLACKPINK, Stray Kids fans stir up fanwars

Kim Sae-ron had faced financial difficulties, which led her to take on part-time jobs to make ends meet. However, it was only after news of her passing that some fans began to sympathize with her¡ªonly to then turn their focus on attacking BTS' SUGA, calling for him to meet the same "fate."

Many users on X have pointed out that while both had DUI cases, Kim Sae-ron faced harsher criticism because she is a woman, whereas SUGA will return to the industry after completing his military service.

the fact armys were part of the hate this poor girl got.. yall need to go to hell https://t.co/9pElShzCyJ pic.twitter.com/dwV96gTdew

¡ª oo (@ejlnmoon) February 16, 2025

STOP ENGAGING??AND START REPORTING THIS ACCOUNT??

qrting and replying will only draw more attention to those tweets!https://t.co/ZaDGROJabM pic.twitter.com/AUX4SKTR4B

¡ª ?¡ï bts year!?? (@tae4ist) February 16, 2025

? MASS REPORT ? https://t.co/rkz9CbtCEihttps://t.co/yJxxjADELrhttps://t.co/vcTtdOh41shttps://t.co/VtV5llCUJOhttps://t.co/ltpJFBXZ3Mhttps://t.co/eYqiNr6FfShttps://t.co/j02ToLuCGrhttps://t.co/agIYBhW50c pic.twitter.com/gd3kVbaAO0

¡ª SUGA PROTECT TEAM (@SugaProtectTeam) February 16, 2025

?? ??? https://t.co/oLPbXVIg8o pic.twitter.com/uocuPlaS6m

¡ª ?? (@masterofblt) February 16, 2025

ARMY defends BTS' SUGA

However, BTS' fandom, ARMY, has come to his defense, questioning how K-pop fans could use such tragic news to fuel fanwars. Some even expressed concern that this level of harassment could drive another entertainment artist to a similar fate.

ARMY also recalled how BLACKPINK fans were at the forefront of the "SUGA Challenge" ¡ª where people took Pinterest photos of individuals holding an alcohol bottle with one hand on the steering wheel, mocking the rapper.

Additionally, some fans pointed out that SUGA's DUI allegations were widely reported for months, with news outlets like JTBC spreading fake videos and false blood alcohol content reports.

i want to show one photo to the kpop fans who are still using this woman's death to create a fanwar for armys . learn to be human first. https://t.co/9TqKEsRnVB pic.twitter.com/cbGO9i4ltv

¡ª ? (@HARMONllA) February 16, 2025

how you see the news of someone's passing and make it about fanwars??? pic.twitter.com/DYgPWUfPgu

¡ª ? (@yoonslogist) February 16, 2025

the only reason kpopstans are bringing him up is bc they wanted this for him... i truly hate thease demented freaks with all my hearta and wish for nothing but the worst for them

¡ª ??? fai ??? bts year ? (@myyouwithjk) February 16, 2025

someone just passed away due to extreme bullying n the first thing people do is listing out the artists who survived the backlash and asking why they're still alive?? do these people have any sort of humanity left??

¡ª emby? | BTS YEAR (@park07k) February 16, 2025

About Kim Sae-ron

Born on July 31, 2000, Kim Sae-ron began her acting career at just nine years old. She quickly rose to prominence with acclaimed performances in A Brand New Life and The Man From Nowhere. As she grew older, she took on leading roles in notable projects such as Listen to My Heart, The Queen's Classroom, Hi! School-Love On, A Girl at My Door and the television series Secret Healer.

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