In addition to being recognized as a K-pop superstar, SUGA is also widely known by the nickname “Genius Producer”, thanks to his remarkable achievements and the immense respect he commands within the music production industry. He has won several awards, including Hot Trend at the 2017 Melon Music Awards, and Best Collaboration at MAMA in 2019, 2020, and 2022.
Under the names SUGA and Agust D, he has produced and composed hundreds of songs—not only for BTS but also for renowned artists such as IU, PSY, Heize, Epik High, MAX, Halsey, and many other international names. His collaborations, including "Eight" with IU, "That That" with PSY, and "People Pt.2" with IU, all charted highly on global rankings like the Billboard Global 200 and iTunes Worldwide.
Notably, SUGA became the first BTS member to enter the Billboard Hot 100 as a solo artist and producer, marking a significant milestone that showcases his global influence in music production. He has also been recognized by KOMCA (кσяєα Music Copyright Association) as one of the most prolific songwriters, with a vast number of registered compositions—a testament to his exceptional creativity and output.
SUGA’s talent and reputation are beyond dispute. Naturally, HYBE had considered involving him in music production projects for younger idol groups under the same company. He imself once admitted this—but to the surprise of many, he has declined the offers multiple times.
To date, none of SUGA’s collaborators have been HYBE artists, and it seems this will remain the case for now. In a special conversation with famous actor Kim Namgil, he ever explained that the main reason for turning down these projects was because he didn't want to shoulder the future of someone else.
"Being an actor and being a CEO must feel different. Because for me I've been asked by the agency if I'm interested in producing for idol singers. "No", "I don't want to be responsible for someone's life, "I have enough to do as it is with my own work. I appreciate the offer but I can't do it". That's what I say", He spoke in alignment with the actor's previous remarks.
While many believe that having a legendary senior idol—especially someone from BTS like SUGA—participate in a rookie group’s project could guarantee success or instant attention, SUGA takes a different view. He approaches his role as a true music producer, focusing on responsibility over fame.
No matter how talented a producer is, there’s no guarantee that a project will succeed, and SUGA doesn't want to risk negatively impacting the careers of junior idols if things go wrong. With over a decade of experience in the industry, he knows firsthand how challenging it is to carry the future of other artists.
This careful approach doesn't just apply to HYBE's rookies—SUGA is also very selective when working with other artists, always aiming to deliver the highest quality music possible.
Fans deeply respect his decision and fully understand his thoughtful reasoning behind turning down offers to produce for HYBE’s younger idol groups:
- the "bighít doesn't let yoongi produce for others" crowd ѕнσ¢кed into silence
- aww omg my yoongi. but this makes me wonder which idol singers they wanted him to produce for lmaoodjdjdjsjs
- i want more producer yoongi tho so he can win another HOT producer award lol
- In my mind, he doesn't want to do it as part of his "job". If and when he produces/ writes a song and another artist comes to his HOT mind, it will happen. No pressure Yoongi
- i get why he doesn’t want to do it. but if he ever changed his mind, i think he would be a wonderful mentor. he’s intelligent and compa̾s̾sionate and just really, incredibly cool.
- And if he did, we all know how good and hít the songs will be. it’s Prod SUGA we are talking about here
- Thats why I love and admire him so so much he is very honest
- i swear his mind is so hot
- It's okay to say NO. He knows his priorities and set limitations. And of course, he's a busy person for his group and solo works.
Before becoming a вιg нιт Entertainment trainee in 2010, SUGA was originally a producer and beat maker for the D-Town team in his hometown of Daegu. After debuting with BTS in 2013, he continued to have the opportunity to develop his ability to compose music, write lyrics, and edit music by continuously participating in the production of main songs as well as b- sides in BTS's album.
Even though HYBE has such a top producer in their team, SUGA just wants to fulfill the role of BTS's producer most in his life.
