In the world of celebrities, a stage name is not just what fans use to address an artist—it is also a personal brand that often carries artistic philosophy or deeper meaning. Therefore, in preparation for their debut 13 years ago, the members of BTS carefully considered their stage names, choosing ones they would use throughout their careers. Some chose to use their real names, while others adopted new stage names.

Jungkook once shared that he considered several different stage names such as Seagull or Ian. V also took a long time to decide, with alternative names suggested by the company including Lex, Six, and Clever. Meanwhile, debuting under the stage name Rap Monster, the leader of BTS officially decided in 2017 to use “RM” as his stage name.

SUGA is also one of the members who uses a stage name instead of his real name, Yoongi, as an idol. In many later interviews, SUGA shared that he no longer feels a distinction between his stage name and real name, as he often hears the members call him SUGA or SUGA-hyung.

For many ARMYs, the stage name SUGA has commonly been interpreted as being inspired by the position “shooting guard” in basketball—a sport he loves and the position he often played. This explanation has been widely circulated among fans for over a decade. However, in an episode of BTS Answer The Web’s Most Searched Questions | WIRED aired on April 6, SUGA surprised everyone by revealing the true meaning behind his name, which differs from what fans have long believed.

Specifically, when the members used their names as keywords to discuss frequently asked questions, SUGA came across the phrase “SUGA name meaning.” The other members immediately answered in unison, “Shooting guard,” just like the fans—but SUGA quickly denied it, saying, “It’s not,” and expressed that he was finally able to give an official explanation.

It turns out that his stage name comes from the nickname of legendary boxer Sugar Ray Leonard, as well as Sean O’Malley. The term “Suga” is often used for fιgнтers known for their technical striking sкιℓℓs—the specialists. Bang PD suggested that since he was so technical with his rap, the name “SUGA” would suit him perfectly. Because this original meaning is somewhat lengthy to explain, SUGA would usually say that it comes from “shooting guard” in basketball whenever asked about it.

Now that SUGA has clarified the true origin of his stage name, both the members and fans were surprised but also delighted. One fan expressed: "This is new info. I only knew its shorten of Sugar cause he is wнιтe like sugar n another one is shorten of Shooting Guard. So which is the real one? Do he rage baiting us?"

Others also reacted: "The rest of Bangtan seem to be as surprised as we were and Tae even says he feels like his just made it up", "We’ve been lied to but actually the stage nam is so meaningful", "I love that. I love SUGA,no matter how he got that name,it's amazing stage name to have", "Even the members are doubtful, how much more us? We have been living under a rock for 13 whole years", "He is so funny, not BTS and us learning this new information",...

Meanwhile, aside from SUGA, Yoongi also has another stage name—Agust D—which is inspired by his hometown. “Agus” is a reversed form of “SUGA,” and “tD” stands for “D-Town,” referring to Daegu, the city where he grew up. In a conversation with IU, SUGA explained that he uses the stage name SUGA for songs and promotional activities as an idol. In contrast, Agust D allows him to express a more personal and private side of himself as a solo artist—a persona through which he can respond to criticism or disrespect 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.”

Whether as SUGA or Agust D, these stage names carry deep meaning, encapsulating his thoughts, personality, and the entire journey he has gone through in his artistic career—and fans cherish every time they call his name!