K-pop boy band Seventeen have postponed the promotion for their new mini-album “Your Choice,” released on June 18, and are now under self-quarantine after two staff members tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
In an announcement on June 19, Pledis Entertainment, the group’s agency, said, “We would like to announce that Seventeen’s promotional activities for their 8th mini-album have been postponed.”
It said a media production for the album was held last June 15. One staff member of HYBE and an external staff member who were present at the site were confirmed to be positive for COVID-19 on June 18 and June 19, respectively.
“As soon as initial symptoms appeared for the first confirmed case in the evening of June 17, the artists used self test kits to confirm that they were negative for COVID and underwent additional PCR testing as a preemptive measure; all artists were found to be negative when the results were returned in the morning of June 18,” it said.
Seventeen members “currently are showing no symptoms whatsoever that may indicate an infection, such as fevers or respiratory disorders.”
“All staff on site at the June 15 shoot carried out preemptive self testing as well as subsequent PCR testing, and with the exception of the two individuals who were confirmed for COVID all were found to be negative. In addition, only staff members who were confirmed as negative took part in activities after Friday, June 18,” according to Pledis.
Health authorities informed Pledis Entertainment on June 19 “that they have classified the artists as well as all on-site staff that took part in the Tuesday, June 15 production as close contacts and requested that affected individuals undergo self quarantine from the night of June 19 to June 29,” or 11 days.
“As a result, Seventeen will postpone 8th mini-album promotional activities including their appearance on SBS ‘Inkigayo’ scheduled for Sunday, June 20 and the Seventeen 8th Mini-Album ‘Your Choice’ Online Fan Sign event. Detailed schedules for the resumption of Seventeen’s activities will be provided following the conclusion of their self quarantine,” the agency added.
Pledis said, “We would like to ask all fans who have waited patiently for Seventeen’s comeback and the members of the media for your generous understanding. We will continue to fully comply with the requests and guidelines from health authorities, placing the highest priority on the safety of our artists and staff.”