BTS singer Jungkook under investigation over traffic accident in South Korea
The singer was involved in a crash on Saturday when his Mercedes Benz hit a taxi in the South Korean capital of Seoul.
Monday 4 November 2019 11:00, UK
Jungkook, singer in South Korean K-pop group BTS, is under investigation after being involved in a road traffic accident in Seoul.
The singer was reportedly involved in a collision with a taxi while driving his Mercedes Benz in the capital's Yongsan District on Saturday, which left them both with minor injuries.
The group's management, Big Hit Entertainment, said in a statement that the 22-year-old had admitted his involvement in the accident, adding: "The police have not closed this case yet, so we cannot reveal the exact details, but Jungkook was driving his car last week when he had a minor collision with another vehicle due to his own mistake.
"Both the victim and Jungkook did not sustain any major injuries.
"Jungkook admitted that he violated the road traffic act immediately after the accident.
"The scene of the accident was resolved and police questioning was completed according to the due process, and an amicable settlement was made with the victim afterwards."
The statement continued: "We once again apologise to the victim, and we also express apologies for causing concern to fans."
A police officer involved in traffic incidents in Seoul said the case was a minor one, due to the lack of damage to property and small amount of injuries on the driver.
He added that the case did not involve anyone driving under the influence, nor any other serious offences.
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South Korean newspaper Segye Ilbo said that Jungkook suffered bruises in the crash and had broken what police called "unspecified traffic rules".
The Yonhap News Agency reports that police plan to summon the singer.
On Sunday night, Jungkook's band won two awards at the MTV European Music Awards for best live act and best fans - but were not present in Seville to collect the gongs.
It comes less than a week after BTS closed out their world tour in Seoul, over a year after it began on the same stage.
In August, the band's management said the group were going to take a break from touring and performing so that members could "recharge" and live "normal lives", but they returned to the stage in October, only a few weeks after announcing a hiatus.
BTS have taken the music world by storm over the past few years, and became the first Korean act to achieve a number one single in the US and a number one album in the UK.
In June, the group made history by becoming the first Korean group to perform at Wembley Stadium, selling out their first show in just 90 minutes.
BTS have a huge and dedicated fan base, which credits the group with breaking down taboos around mental health, and helping young people.
Their pop sound is a contrast to much of their lyrics, which deal with topics including suicide.