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UP10TION's Bitto tests Covid-19 positive, fans slam 'Music Core' and 'Inkigayo' shows for 'lax' care of idols

'What are they doing not testing the idols every week at least... I thought it was they were doing'

Concerning news for UP10TION fans: Members of the South Korean boy group is reportedly getting tested for Covid-19 after one of its members has tested positive for the coronavirus. According to US-based Korean pop blog Allkpop, UP10TION's Bitto received the test results on November 30 after allegedly being exposed on November 28. The singer was informed on November 29 that he came in close contact with a confirmed positive case and was quickly taken for testing.

Bitto, along with other members of UP10TION, recently performed on MBC's South Korean television program 'Show! Music Core'. Broadcast every Saturday from MBC Dream Center in Goyang, Gyeonggi, the program features the latest and most popular acts who take to the live stage. While UP10TION performed 'Destiny', other acts included PENTAGON's Hui, Henry, AKMU, NCT U, CNBLUE, An Da-Eun, ASTRO's MJ, BTOB 4U, Stray Kids, TREASURE, aespa, BAE173, Natty, and Wooh!ah!.

UP10TION also performed on the music program 'Inkigayo'. As a result, all staff and performers from both shows are going to be tested for the coronavirus. 'Inkigayo' said, "After hearing of Bitto’s diagnosis, we immediately informed all of the performers and staff. We have secured CCTV footage and are working on checking for everyone who crossed paths or came into close contact."

Bitto's label TOP Media shared the following statement. "Hello, this is TOP Media. Our artist UP10TION’s Bitto tested positive for Covid-19." The statement continues, "Following the conclusion of his scheduled activities on [November] 29, he was told that he came in close contact with a confirmed case and was tested. His diagnosis was confirmed on the morning of [November] 30."

"Our agency artists, staff, and employees who crossed paths or came into contact with Bitto are being tested for Covid-19, and we will take quarantine measures according to instructions by health authorities." The statement then notes that "UP10TION’s following scheduled activities have all been canceled," adding, "and once again we will do our best to take care of our artists and manage sanitation for Covid-19."

"We sincerely apologize to broadcast representatives and involved staff members as broadcast activities were carried out without knowing that he came into close contact with a confirmed case. We once again apologize for causing concern."

Meanwhile, fans on Twitter are hoping for Bitto's safe return. "I hope bitto doesn’t blame himself tho... to the idols and staff who’ll get test i hope it will be negative..." says a fan while another wrote, "Praying for all artists and staff that got in contact with bitto to test negative and for bitto, I'll hope for his fast recovery. Let's praying all the best not judge."

Other fans aren't taking the news lightly and are calling out the shows' "lax" behavior amid the pandemic. "Please take immediate action on this @ygent_official, this matter is very serious, let them be tested as soon as possible, your artist health and safety should always be the most important thing you should take care of. praying for everyone's safety. @ygtreasuremaker," says a fan. One fan wrote, "What are they doing not testing the idols every week at least... I thought it was they were doing. They shouldn't be lax with the idols' health."

Another fan added, "I hope everyone involved is ok and those with Covid recovers quickly! And that's why some artists like BTS are not performing on these Music shows... No one can afford to be affected by it."