An Yu-jin, 18, former member of K-pop girl group IZ*ONE, and Kim Jae-hyun, 27, member of rap rock band N.Flying, tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Starship Entertainment announced on Sept. 4 that “An Yu-jin was diagnosed with COVID-19 while in self-quarantine.”
It said on Aug. 28, An Yu-jin underwent PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test after the movements of an external staff member who was confirmed to have COVID-19 overlapped with hers.
On Aug. 29, she tested negative and went into self-quarantine. During her quarantine, she tested using a self-test kit. On Sept. 3, An Yu-jin developed symptoms such as sore throat and fever and reported it to the public health center. She underwent another PCR test and she was confirmed to have COVID-19 on the morning of Sept. 4.
“She is currently taking the necessary measures in accordance with the guidelines of the quarantine authorities. We apologize for causing concern to many people. We will do our best to ensure that our artists recover quickly by following the guidelines of the quarantine authorities,” said Starship.
Last Aug. 29, Jang Won-young, 16, former member of IZ*ONE who also belongs to Starship Entertainment, tested positive for COVID-19.
On the other hand, Kim Jae-hyun is the fourth member of idol group N.Flying to test positive for COVID-19.
FNC Entertainment, N.Flying’s agency, said on Sept. 4 that “our artist, N.Flying's Kim Jae-hyun, was diagnosed with COVID-19 today (Sept. 4). Cha Hun, who had a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test with Kim Jae-hyun, tested negative.”
Four of the five members of N.Flying now have COVID-19. On Sept. 3, FNC Entertainment said N.Flying members Lee Seung-Hyub, Yoo Hwe-seung and Seo Dong-sung were diagnosed with COVID-19.
“Accordingly, following Lee Seung-Hyub, Yoo Hwe-seung and Seo Dong-sung, who were confirmed the day before, Kim Jae-hyun is also self-isolating and taking necessary measures according to the guidelines of the quarantine authorities. Cha Hun also went into self-quarantine since yesterday,” the agency said.
It added, “We apologize once again for causing concern and concern to the fans and many people. We will faithfully follow the guidelines of the quarantine authorities and do our best to ensure that the artists return to health as soon as possible.”
An Yu-jin and Kim Jae-hyun are the latest Korean singers who got infected with COVID-19.
On Sept. 2, K-pop boy band ENHYPEN members Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Jake and Sunghoon tested positive for COVID-19, according to their agency BELIFT Lab.