His first solo mixtape, Agust D, was released in 2016 and re-released in 2018 to digital download and streaming platforms, reaching number three on Billboard's World Albums Chart.

It debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200, tying him with BTS bandmate Jimin as the highest-charting South Korean solo artists of all time.

[8] Originally joining the company as a music producer,[9] Suga trained under Big Hit Entertainment for three years alongside bandmates J-Hope and RM.

[11] Released on April 17,[a] in the form of an animated music video,[12] its lyrics addressed fears associated with reaching adulthood at the end of one's adolescent years through the use of a sports metaphor.

dreamed;[19] Tamar Herman of Billboard described the interlude as "evocative, yet brash", noting in particular how its sound changes midway through to show "this dichotomy between the relationship of how fame and audiences watching him affects his idea of self".

Reminiscent of a monologue, the song is a rap serenade to Suga's childhood piano that personifies his relationship with the instrument as if addressing a friend.

[45] It also became the first Korean solo release to reach the top 10 in the United Kingdom, opening at number seven on the UK Albums Chart.

[48] In December, Suga featured on the single "Girl of My Dreams" from American rapper Juice Wrld's posthumous album Fighting Demons.

[51][52] That December, Suga launched the talk show web series Suchwita[b] on YouTube; he candidly interviews guests over drinks each episode.

2" and "Haegeum",[56] the album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, Suga's first top-10 entry on the ranking, tying him with bandmate Jimin as the highest-charting South Korean solo artists in the history of the chart.

[62] The stage name Suga (슈가) is derived from the first syllables of the term shooting guard (슈팅 가드), the position he played in basketball as a student.

[63] He adopted the alias Agust D in 2016 for his mixtape, which is derived from the initials DT for his birthplace, Daegu Town, and "Suga", spelled backwards.

[67] Jeff Benjamin of Fuse said that Suga's mixtape "showcases the star's ear for hot productions, hardcore rap style, and how he can make his vulnerabilities a strength.

Following doctor recommendations, he took a one-week break from performing and participating in choreography (including at year-end festivals) to ensure the wound healed properly.

[76] In November 2020, Suga underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum (reverse Bankart tear) in his left shoulder and announced that he would be taking a break from subsequent promotional activities in order to fully recover.

[80] On August 7, 2023, subsequent to the completion of his world tour, Big Hit announced through Weverse that Suga had applied for the termination of his postponement in order to begin the enlistment process and carry out his service.

[82] On the night of August 6, 2024, Suga was driving an electric scooter in Hannam-dong, Seoul, when he fell and was recognized by a police officer who detected alcohol.

The Military Manpower Administration stated they would not address the matter separately, as the incident was a personal issue that happened outside of working hours.

[90] On September 10, the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors Office proceeded with a summary indictment of Suga for the incident, a process used for minor offenses that allows for expedited penalties without a full trial.

[91] Suga plead guilty to the charges,[92] and on September 30 was sentenced to a fine of ₩15 million (US$13,112) by the Seoul Western District Court, a decision that matched the prosecutors' request.

[83] On his 25th birthday, Suga donated beef to 39 orphanages in the name of "ARMY", BTS' fanbase, in fulfillment of a promise he made in 2014 to buy his fans meat should he find success as a musical artist.

[95][96] He donated another ₩100 million (US$87,416) in March 2021, to Daegu's Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital to support child cancer patients unable to access treatment due to financial difficulties.

[97][98] On March 9, 2022, in celebration of his 29th birthday, Suga donated ₩100 million (US$87,416) to the Hope Bridge Disaster Relief Association to help victims of the extensive wildfires along the country's eastern coastal area.