iKON, THE BOYZ, Kep1er, More: 24 K-pop Idols Diagnosed With COVID-19 in a Week — How Will It Affect the K-pop Industry?
In just a week, there were 24 K-pop idols who tested positive for COVID-19, including Super Junior Eunhyuk, iKON Jinhwan, Kwon Eunbi, THE BOYZ Haknyeon, Kep1er Chaehyun, and more. As a result, there is a "red light" of the coronavirus in the music scene.
Super Junior Eunhyuk, iKON Jinhwan, Hyolyn, More: Here Are 24 K-pop Idols Who Tested Positive for COVID-19
ALSO READ: THE BOYZ Younghoon Tests Positive of COVID-19, Group Cancels Activities
The K-pop industry is undoubtedly on the "red alert" following 24 confirmed cases of COVID-19, as of Jan. 28. Shockingly, the number of cases wasn't recorded in a month, but in just a week (from Jan. 20 to Jan. 27), drawing concerns.
Jan. 20: Super Junior Eunhyuk
Jan. 21: Summer Cake (indie singer)
Jan. 22: iKON Kim Jinhwan, Song Yunhyeong, Kim Donghyuk
Jan. 23: WINNER Seunghoon
Jan. 24: THE BOYZ Eric
Jan. 25: iKON Junhoe, TREASURE Yoshi, WEi Dong Han, Yoo Yong Ha, Kang Seok Hwa
Jan. 26: THE BOYZ Young Hoon, Hyolyn
Jan. 27: THE BOYZ Joo Haknyeon, Kep1er Kim Chaehyun, Seo Young Eun, iKON Jung Chanwoo, TREASURE Choi Hyunseok, Jun Kyu, MASHIHO, former IZ*ONE Kwon Eunbi, Weeekly Lee Jae Hee, Choi Yena's dancer
Based on the coronavirus patients above, there is a higher probability that the virus will spread if an idol group is living in one accommodation, such as iKON, TREASURE, THE BOYZ, WEi, and Kep1er – as they often spend their daily lives together in addition to work.
K-Media Outlet Highlights How COVID-19 Will Affect the K-pop Industry
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In particular, a Korean media outlet highlighted that if this continues, the possibility of having completely ZERO limited offline interaction is high, just like what happened in 2020. At that time, only online activities were permitted, and any offline contact with fans are temporarily banned.
As a result of the increasing number of idols who are being diagnosed with COVID-19, the music industry are making their move to prevent further impact. Not only K-pop agencies but also broadcasters are gradually increasing the level of quarantine. Self-diagnosis kid tests are essential before a schedule.
However, some singers are complaining of fatigue as the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases in the industry itself increases and the frequency of PCR tests increases. Anxiety is also growing as a series of breakthrough infections have continued in vaccination.
Nevertheless, whether it will negatively impact the K-pop industry is yet to be observed in the following months.
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Written by Eunice Dawson
