For K-pop idols, a stage name is like a brand — it not only shapes their public identity but also often carries deep personal meaning. SUGA is one of the members of BTS who does not use his real name as his stage name. Notably, he also uses another stage name that has been with him since the early days of his career — Agust D.

While the name SUGA comes from the position of “shooting guard” in basketball, which he often played in high school, Agust D is inspired by his hometown. “Agus” is the reversed form of “SUGA,” and “tD” stands for “D-Town,” or Daegu City - where he lived during childhood. In several past interviews, SUGA revealed that Agust D represents a freer side of Yoongi.

Agust D is almost as well known as SUGA. The title of his latest solo album and his first solo world tour both incorporate these two stage names.

Although there has never really been any confusion, fans — and even close friends such as IU — have sometimes been curious about whether the BTS rapper prefers to be called SUGA or Agust D when promoting as a solo artist. SUGA told IU that she could call him whichever name she preferred. In the end, they chose SUGA, since it is easier to search for on social media.

IU then wondered whether there was any difference when he used one stage name over the other, and he gave a thoughtful answer about the relationship between the two.

SUGA explained that he uses the name SUGA for songs or promotional activities when he is working as an idol. Meanwhile, Agust D is the name that allows him to express a more personal, narrower side of himself as a solo artist — a persona through which he can respond to criticism or condescension from others.

Specifically, he shared: “When I go by as , it’s external work… like commercial songs. I usually go by SUGA. And about Agust D… In fact, there are many cases of Agust D, (representative examples of alter egos) Eminem – Slim Shady, Harajuku Barbie of Nicki Minaj… The reason behind creating Agust D. At first, I was so fed up back then. ‘Why would people look down on me?’ ‘Because I am an idol?’ Usually, I am an idol, so there are many things I can’t say out loud. I needed a means to let it out, so I created another self called Agust D.”

He continued by reflecting on the present and how he has changed: “I realized it when I was preparing my solo album this time. There is a problem! The report is that ‘SUGA is going to release another album.’ It may be a bit difficult for me to set these two people together in the future. Once Agust D’s trilogy comes to an end, it might be hard to see him again… I think so for now because… as I am getting older, the less and less I get angry. They referred to us as ‘BTS is back from тнє нєℓℓ.’ We used to be really beaten up by many haters, but I’ve forgiven them. Anger was what mainly created my music… They say I’ve become mellow….”

SUGA’s explanation of his stage name surprised many fans because it carried a far deeper meaning than people had previously realized. It seems to encapsulate his thoughts, personality, and the entire journey he has gone through in his artistic career.

Fans were deeply moved after hearing him open up about the emotions and reflections he had poured into the names that helped shape who he is today:

- It's painful to be reminded how we got trampled on so much. Till date we still can't live in peace.

- How can I not look up to him when he is this wise and mature? You deserve all the love and support this world has to offer, Yoongs

- Forgiving is also a form of self-love & self-care. It is a difficult thing to do but once you're able to do it, you'd feel more at peace, freedom/ liberation is the reward.

- I love yoongi... but i also loved the hater era! He is a bigger person than I am! Forgiving the bitter jealousy they all held towards him

- He's indeed a good grown-up!! I am someone who gets consumed my anger most times so i understand how he must've felt then! But this also makes me want to better myself

- He deserves every bit of mellowness. The tannies deserve every bit of peace they ever feel. They f***ing earned it.

- You need to feel all those emotions, explore them, they don’t pop up for no reason and they should never be ignored. Healing is difficult and tough and noone talks about the toll it takes but once it’s done and your healed, you see things with a new perspective and you’re better

- He grown up well to a mature, fine and loving young man. He's brave going through out that h3ll.

- this reminds me of that suchwita ep. with Tablo

- i really want to get mad about what's happening with BB, but as an adult i should stay calmer

- we don't deserve this man

- everyone might constantly collectively forget how much worse they had it than any other kpop group but atp im just glad theyre at a better place mentally