SF9's Hwiyoung and Chani being probed for breaking Covid quarantine rules
With K-pop idols testing positive for Covid left and right, the youngest two members of the boy group SF9 -- Hwiyoung, and Chani -- are now being held accountable for not thinking responsibly. Covid has gotten so much worse with multiple K-pop idols reporting positive test results for the virus. As of January 27, a total of more than seven different idols reported testing positive for Covid, amidst that, on the same day, it was reported that SF9 members Hwiyoung and Chani were being investigated for violating quarantine protocols.
FNC Entertainment, the agency that manages the nine-member boy group SF9, mentioned that the two members revealed that they were charged with violation of Covid protocols when they went out to a nightclub in South Korea late on the night of January 18. It was reported that the duo had gone out to celebrate Chani’s birthday with acquaintances and had visited Texas Hold’em Pub in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam on the night of January 17. It was revealed that the two members were still at the club till 1 am on January 18 when police were dispatched after complaints suggested that the club was still open hours after the issued closing time as per Covid protocols.
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FNC Entertainment states their official position
FNC Entertainment did not defend the actions of the two idols but apologized for not being careful enough. They said, “It is clear that Hwiyoung and Chani acted carelessly and deserve condemnation.” The label then said that they were deeply apologetic for neglecting their responsibility as the management of the two idols and promise to thoroughly “manage and prepare countermeasures to prevent a similar incident from happening again.”
FNC Entertainment also apologized for causing concern and disappointment among so many fans as well as the general public through this incident. On January 27, Channel A reported that police were sent to the nightclub after it was reported that the club was open after hours. Channel A reported that after breaking down the door of the club, a total of 15 people were caught inside, including SF9’s Chani and Hwiyoung. All the guests, as well as owners and staff of the club, were booked for violating the Infectious Disease Prevention Act.
Both Hwiyoung and Chani apologize
Both members posted handwritten apology notes on Twitter as they narrated the incident to their fans. Hwiyoung said, “I apologize for not being able to inform the members as well as the company. I am sorry but I was embarrassed by my actions and was not able to show complacent thoughts on the situation.” Hwiyoung expressed his regret for not thinking about the severity of the pandemic and putting the health concerns of the world ahead of his recklessness. He promised fans, “I will deeply reflect upon the fact that I do not have the right attitude as a public icon and act more responsibly in the future.”
Chani also posted a handwritten apology on SF9’s official Twitter handle apologizing profusely for his reckless behavior. Chani began by apologizing for wasting the time and hard work of everyone that strived to fight the pandemic. He apologized saying, “I sincerely apologize to the fans who supported and trusted me.” He said that he will deeply reflect on his actions and the weight of his mistakes to never repeat them again.