Covid runs riot in K-pop: The Boyz Hyunjae, Kep1er Chaehyun and Youngeun test positive
Omicron is definitely causing havoc all over the world and while South Korea was commended for handling the pandemic in early 2020, we have a record-breaking number of K-pop idols now daily testing positive for the new Covid-19 strain since the new year. Since most people have had their third vaccine shot too, the social distancing guidelines are lax with idols being allowed to go about with their scheduled gigs in crowded places. Unfortunately, that has led to the likes of The Boyz and Kep1er members getting Covid-19.
We first had Super Junior’s Eunhyuk testing positive, followed by four iKON members – Jinhwan, Yunhyeong, Donghyuk and Junhoe. Then Winner’s Seung-hoon and Treasure’s Yoshi tested positive too which now leads to six artists under YG Entertainment contracting the virus. At the same time, The Boyz’s Eric had tested positive even after his third booster shot. A day later, we also had Hyolyn and her cast member Kim Donghan along with his WEi group members Yongha and Seokhwa getting the virus. Additionally, iKON’s Chanwoo and Treasure’s Choi Hyunsuk, Junkyu, Mashiho also got Covid-19.
READ MORE
Are YG idols at risk? iKON's Junhoe and Treasure's Yoshi infected with Covid-19 too
Winner’s Seung-hoon and The Boyz’s Eric latest K-pop idols to get Covid-19 after iKON
Hyunjae gets Covid-19 after Eric and Younghoon
While the rest of The Boyz tested negative, Younghoon had re-tested and had been diagnosed with Covid-19 hours later. And now following Younghoon’s news, it has been reported that Hyunjae got Covid-19 on January 27. The Boyz had previously canceled their appearance at the Gaon Chart Music Awards being held on January 27 after Eric’s diagnosis. Following Younghoon, Hyunjae and the remaining members got tested. While the 8 negative members have not shown any symptoms, the group and their staff will continue to get tested within the incubation period.
Kep1er members get the virus again
Additionally, fans are disheartened that the new rookie girl group Kep1er has the worst luck. After winning the survival show ‘Girls Planet 999’, they had big plans for their debut. They were supposed to perform at MAMA 2021 and debut three days later. Unfortunately, a staff member contracted Covid-19 and their MAMA appearance was canceled. Then on their original debut date which was December 14, it was reported that members Xiaoting and Mashiro had got Covid-19 and so their debut was pushed to January 3, 2022. And while they were promoting now, the virus has struck again.
The barely 1-month-old group has had to cancel all gigs as of January 27 since it was revealed that Kep1er members Chaehyun and Youngeun had tested positive for Covid-19. All members had taken their second vaccine shot and did not show any symptoms. But during their mandatory PCR tests needed to continue with their scheduled activities, Chaehyun and Youngeun’s tests came back positive. The whole group has canceled its plans and members are following the protocols.