Covid in K-pop: 2PM, Monsta X, Purple Kiss, Dreamcatcher, DKB, fromis_9 members test positive
It doesn’t look like the Omicron strain will be slowing down anytime soon. Over 60 K-pop idols had tested positive in January and that number has doubled up to 120. It looks like the cases will triple as several idols are getting infected every week in March. We have yet to see a single week where we haven’t received news of an idol getting diagnosed with Covid. And with the new South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol wanting to lift all social distancing measures, it could get riskier for idols who have to continue with their gigs in crowded places.
In the fourth week of March, 17 idols tested positive for Covid with almost all of P1Harmony, Verivery and Stray Kids getting sick. It should be noted that Covid now has started to hinder important gigs as concerts, events, comebacks and debuts are getting postponed. BTS’ J-hope and Jungkook tested positive right before the Grammys and their Las Vegas concerts. On the other hand, Monsta X and Purple Kiss have to postpone their comeback activities as their members contracted Covid.
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2PM's Junho tests positive
On March 29, there were reports that 2PM's Junho had taken a PCR test that had come back positive. In response, his label JYPE shared that they were still confirming the news. Well, unfortunately, minutes later, it was indeed confirmed that Junho had been diagnosed with Covid. He has completed two doses of the vaccine and only has mild symptoms like a cold and sore throat. His schedule has been suspended at the moment and he is in quarantine.
All of Purple Kiss get Covid on comeback day
As of March 29, all seven members of Purple Kiss have tested positive for Covid. Firstly, Swan got infected on March 15. Then Ireh, Dosie and Yuki tested positive for Covid on March 26. Goeun and Chaein became the next members to fall sick on March 27. And on March 29, Jieun has also tested positive for the virus. She has no symptoms other than a sore throat. Their third mini-album ‘memeM’ was set to be released on March 29 but the promotional activities will take place from April 4 after Purple Kiss recovers.
Monsta X’s comeback postponed
On March 28, Hyungwon tested positive right when Monsta X was gearing up for their latest album release. The idol took a rapid antigen test which came back positive on Match 28. However, he has taken his three vaccine shots and so will be quarantined and treated at home. In the meantime, Monsta X’s album ‘Shape of Love’, which was set to be released on April 11, has been postponed till he recovers.
Close contact members of fromis_9 test positive
A day before, fromis_9’s Hayoung and Nagyung tested positive for Covid on March 27. Previously, Jiwon had gotten Covid on March 23. She had come in close contact with Jisun, Hayoung and Nagyung but they had initially tested negative. The two latest members are currently experiencing mild symptoms like fever and sore throat. Both have been quarantined at home. Jisun on the other hand has still tested negative.
Dreamcatcher to continue with April comeback
Dreamcatcher is yet another group hindered by Covid. Member Sua was diagnosed with Covid on Match 27 after she took a test due to sore throat symptoms. She has taken all three vaccine shots and has no other symptoms. All of the other members' tests came back negative. With their comeback and concert set for April 12, the label is positive that Sua will recover by then and are continuing with the planned dates. However, her activities for next week like her appearance at Red Velvet Wendy’s ‘Youngstreet’ radio show is canceled.
All 9 DKB members have had Covid
Fans are worried about the bad luck that DKB has as four members, Teo, Junseo, Yuku, and Harry June had tested positive back in February. After Heechan tested positive on March 24, the four remaining members have also got Covid in the last week of March. Members E-Chan, D1, GK, and Lune tested positive on March 27 after they took a mandatory test. Three of them except GK have mild symptoms like sore throat and slight fever. They have, however, taken their three doses of the vaccine and are in quarantine.