For K-pop idols, a stage name is like a brand name — it not only shapes their reputation but also often holds a deeply personal meaning to them. SUGA is one of the BTS members who does not use his real name as his stage name.

More specifically, he has another stage name that has been with him since the very beginning — Agust D!

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

Agust D is no less popular than SUGA. The names of his latest solo album and his first solo world tour both include these two stage names.

Although there has never been any confusion, both fans and even close friends like IU have occasionally been a bit curious about whether the BTS rapper prefers to be called SUGA or Agust D when he promotes as a solo artist. SUGA told IU that she could call him whichever name she liked. In the end, they decided to go with SUGA, since that name is easier to find on social media.

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

SUGA explained that he uses the name SUGA in songs or promotions when he is acting as an idol. Meanwhile, Agust D is the name that allows him to express his narrower, more personal self as a solo artist — a persona through which he can respond to being looked down on or criticized by 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 to share his thoughts about 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 about his stage names surprised fans, as it carried far deeper meaning than anyone had realized. It seems to encapsulate his thoughts, personality, and the entire journey he has experienced throughout his artistic career.

Fans were moved to tears after hearing him open up about the emotions and reflections he has poured into the names that define who he is;

- 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