Fans of BTS are expressing their outrage towards TIME Magazine after the recent inclusion of SUGA’s name in an article focused on the ongoing legal challenges faced by the K-pop group NewJeans (NJZ) and their label ADOR, along with corporate giant HYBE. The article, published on March 21, 2025, presented a broader examination of the past tumultuous year for the K-pop industry, including issues like declining global sales and various controversies.
The backlash primarily stems from the mention of SUGA’s DUI incident from August 2024, where he was charged for riding his electric scooter while under the influence of alcohol. Fans, collectively known as ARMY, have questioned the relevance of including SUGA or BTS in a narrative that has no direct association with them, particularly one centered on NewJeans’ legal battle.
Social media platforms exploded with comments from frustrated fans, highlighting their discontent with the article:
“@TIME LEAVE YOONGI AND BTS ALONE.”
“What happened to professional journalism, @TIME? BTS has nothing to do with this story. SUGA was on a scooter and fell without injuring anyone nor damaging properties. Since when did Time magazine peddle insinuations and sensationalism like a gossip rag just to sell?”said one ARMY.
“Why was this published by @TIME where the fact-checking seems to be ‘I googled it’? I appreciate the attention to K-pop, but not at the expense of actual journalism,”added another user.
“@deguzmanchad, your article has nothing to do with Suga and BTS, yet you dragged them into it, potentially causing misunderstandings and hatred towards them. Please remove them from the article,”expressed an X user directed at the writer.
“Using SUGA’s name in an unrelated issue is irresponsible and dangerous. This kind of misleading journalism spreads unnecessary hate. Remove his name immediately and take responsibility! @TIME @deguzmanchad,”commented another X user.
Moreover, the TIME article also highlighted the recent dismissal of NCT’s Taeil by SM Entertainment due to serious sexual assault charges, further provoking ARMYs who felt it was unjust to conflate SUGA’s incident with such severe accusations.
“Seriously @deguzmanchad, the article has nothing to do with Suga… Also, drawing parallels between his situation and that of an assaulter? Prioritize better,”remarked one individual on X.
“Are they out of their minds? They linked Y00ongi’s incident with a crime committed by Taeil? Not only that, they made it seem like he was drunk driving and causing harm, what is this?!”wrote another user.
“Unfairly associating his name with actual law offenders for sensationalism in such a badly written article is pathetic. Shame on you, @deguzmanchad. Do better,”posted another ARMY member.
“Wahh… How could they mention our Yoongi in such unrelated news?! The matter with Suga was already addressed. The journalists who wrote this should be ashamed,”added a fan.
Understanding the Context of NewJeans (NJZ)’s Legal Issues
On March 21, TIME Magazine provided a detailed overview of NewJeans’ ongoing legal conflict with their former label ADOR and its parent company HYBE. The article delved into the group’s legal battles, branding efforts, and their considerable impact on the K-pop landscape.
NewJeans members—Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein—terminated their contract with ADOR in November 2024, citing instances of unfair treatment and harassment, claims that ADOR has vehemently denied.
This controversial situation has resonated throughout the K-pop industry, coinciding with HYBE’s concerning financial issues, including a significant market capitalization decline of nearly $500 million.
In February 2025, the group announced their rebranding as NJZ, coupled with plans for a comeback performance at ComplexCon in Hong Kong scheduled for March 23. The new brand was positioned to allow greater artistic freedom and control over their identity.
However, tensions escalated when ADOR sought a court injunction to prevent NJZ from engaging in promotional activities. The Seoul court granted this injunction just before their slated performance, with ADOR maintaining that their actions were intended to uphold the initial contract rather than sabotage the group’s career.
The contract between NewJeans and ADOR, originally set to conclude in 2029, is currently under judicial review, with a court hearing set for April 3. Industry experts speculate that this case may take years to resolve and could establish new standards for artist-label dynamics in K-pop.
The article further detailed allegations of mistreatment against NJZ, including claims of media manipulation and attempts to stifle gestures of support for victims of the December 2024 Jeju Air crash. Notably, the South Korean labor ministry rejected a harassment petition filed by fans, asserting that K-pop idols do not legally constitute workers.
Despite facing substantial legal risks, including potential fines of approximately $420 million, NJZ prioritizes its autonomy and artistic freedom. Representatives from the group stated that they are not looking to harm the industry but are advocating for their rights against perceived injustices.
The report contextualizes a year marked by challenges in the K-pop industry, including reduced global sales and various controversies. Although opinions on the outcome of the NJZ case differ, there are indications that it may significantly influence future contracts and investments in the South Korean entertainment sector.
Moving forward, NJZ aims to collaborate with a new agency to manage their communications while exploring new creative avenues in their upcoming performances, always remaining attuned to their fanbase’s support.
TIME concluded that while the eventual resolution of this dispute is uncertain, it has ignited vital discussions surrounding artist rights and work conditions within the K-pop industry.
For context, SUGA of BTS faced legal repercussions in 2024 for operating an electric scooter while intoxicated. This incident occurred on August 6 when he was returning to his apartment after socializing with friends. Upon falling as he entered his building, he caught the attention of a police officer, leading to an alcohol test that confirmed he had been drinking. SUGA publicly apologized for the event on Weverse, acknowledging his ignorance of the legal implications associated with riding a scooter under the influence.
On September 30, the Seoul court fined SUGA 15 million Korean won (around $11,500). He is expected to complete his military service by June 2025, alongside fellow BTS members RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, who are also fulfilling their mandatory duties.