Before debuting with BTS, SUGA was involved in an α¢¢ι∂єит in 2012 that reportedly caused a shoulder injury. The rapper was later diagnosed with a dislocated shoulder in 2013. Over the following years, the issue continued to affect his physical health, especially during performances and intense dance practice schedules.

In November 2020, Big Hit Music announced that SUGA had undergone surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. At the time, the company explained that the rapper had been suffering from persistent pain and difficulty lifting his arm despite years of ongoing treatment and rehabilitation. According to the company, the symptoms had begun affecting not only his performances but also his daily life.

After the surgery, SUGA took a break for several months to focus on recovery and rehabilitation. Since then, fans gradually felt relieved seeing him appear in much healthier condition during BTS performances as well as his later solo activities. The rapper even once shared a portrait photoshoot revealing the scars on his shoulder from the surgery, seemingly as a way of showing that he had overcome that difficult period.

Fans believed that the injury was no longer causing SUGA pain until a recently viral clip from BTS’ concert in мєχι¢σ began drawing attention online. The video, filmed during the group’s soundcheck before the show, appeared to show SUGA repeatedly rubbing and holding his left shoulder while standing on stage.

Although the moment lasted only a few seconds, it quickly caught the attention of fans worldwide because it was believed to be the same shoulder that underwent surgery in 2020. Many ARMYs felt that the rapper’s movements looked as though he was experiencing discomfort or mild pain in the area. Some longtime fans were also reminded of SUGA’s previous comments about how the old injury had caused him pain for years, especially whenever his performance schedule became overwhelming.

Some notable comments included: "As horribly it hurts to see, Yoongi will probably always feel pain in this shoulder. Surgeries heal but don't make miracles, and with age body only forgives less. I still feel the leg I broke as little child acting on bad weather. Yoongi had this shoulder crushed", "Yoongi’s shoulder doesn’t seem to be doing too well. Even with surgery, it’s not like it ever fully recovers", "Yoongi left the tearing from 2013 to 2020 he used to dance every day on it. Now, it seems to be causing him pain again despite having already undergone treatment", "I'm trying to say this calmly but I remember when yoongi said that when his shoulder hurts he holds the mic with his right hand… he holds mic with his left so it mustn’t hurt much.. I hope so, pleeease",...

However, some fans also urged others not to panic, pointing out that lingering discomfort can still occur even years after major shoulder injuries and surgeries — especially in a profession that involves intense choreography and repetitive shoulder movements:

- Unfortunately some surgeries never fully heal 100% and there are days when they can start bothering you again or even hurt :( I hope he’s not in too much pain and that he’s feeling better

- He had shoulder surgery, it's gonna ache for the rest of his life, especially after a lot of dancing. Please don't panic

- With an injury and surgery like this and with a profession like his where theres alot more movement of his shoulder, unfortunately some level of pain would remain and be felt occasionally. also weather changes like pressure drops when cold or before rain can cause some pain too

- Actually, he’s fully healed, but the weather change can also affect anything that was once broken. My hand always do that especially when it gets cold or windy because the bones are still fragile.

- Anyone with surgeries will feel discomfort/pain when there's heavy activity involved or due to changes in weather conditions. Rest of their life. He is allowed to show discomfort without worrying about you all. Just accept it and move on

- The fact that now every single gesture will be analyzed under a microscope and scrutinized says a lot about how little we're accustomed to the concept of chronic pain. But maybe to pain in general. Yes, an operation doesn't magically fix everything, almost nothing does. We're not machines.

After all, fans shared supportive messages, hoping the rapper is continuing to manage his health well amid BTS’ current tour activities.: “I hope Yoongi isn’t in pain again,” “Please rest if you need to", “I hope he stays healthy throughout the entire tour", "No, please. I’m begging any higher power out there to not let this happen again", "Yoongi, please take care of yourself and don’t push yourself too hard. We just want you to be healthy and pain-free", "Hoping the pain goes away soon and that you’re surrounded by people taking good care of you. Get well soon, Yoongi"