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Covid in K-pop: Monsta X comeback postponed as 3 more members test positive

Monsta X is set to come back with 'Shape of Love', their fifth album in a year

Monsta X fans are disappointed as four out of the five active members of the K-pop group were diagnosed with Covid-19 just when they were preparing for their new album release. The band also has a Seoul concert and world tour coming up which may have been jeopardized, fans fear. On March 28, Hyungwon became the first member to test positive. He has already taken three vaccine doses and is reportedly just quarantining at home as he doesn't have any extraordinary symptoms. However, in the last 24 hours, three more Monsta X members have got Covid-19.

K-pop groups like Tempest, NMIXX, Stray Kids, Red Velvet, and Purple Kiss’ debut and comebacks are being hindered due to the members being infected with the new Omicron strain. And now Monsta X is the next group to be affected. They were preparing for their 11th mini-album ‘Shape of Love’ which was set to be released on April 11. However, the comeback activities like music show performances and variety show appearances got postponed after Hyungwon fell sick. Well, on March 31, Kihyun, Minhyuk, and I.M became the next members to get Covid-19.

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4 of 5 members have Covid-19

Kihyun made his solo debut with his first album ‘Voyager’ and was promoting it till this week. Fortunately, he got Covid-19 after the promotions ended. He tested positive on March 30 but has also taken three doses of the vaccine and is being quarantined at home. Following his diagnosis, I.M who is also a co-host with Kihyun on a radio show ended up getting Covid-19 on March 31. Minhyuk, who also shares a dorm with the two became the next member to test positive. They were diagnosed after taking a pre-emptive rapid antigen test. 

Their label, Starship shared that Monsta X has taken all three vaccine shots and so the positive members do not have any extraordinary symptoms except for a slight sore throat. Jooheon, who shares a dorm with Hyungwon is currently the only member who has tested negative. March 31 seems to be a bittersweet day because, at the same time, Monsta X had announced their next fan con — a special 3-day fan meeting and concert for Korean fans before they leave for their US tour. Fortunately, the event is scheduled for April 29, giving the members ample time to recover.

‘Get well soon’

One fan looked at the bright side, “Get well soon guys! At least, you will have less chances of catching covid again during the May/June tour.” Another Monbebe tweeted, “I just want the guys to really get some rest so they can get well soon.” One fan posted, “Get well soon to all MONSTA X members who got covid 19🥺 please take your time to rest 🥺...and don't say SORRY TO US,,and to Joohoney please take care.” Another tried to joke, “Mx didn’t catch covid, covid caught mx so let’s just get that straight.” One said, “The world is a horrible place why is this happening to my monsta x … abt to start causing problems on purpose F**K COVID .” Another made a reaction meme, "Jooheon’s antibodies fighting the virus rn."