Ni-ki (real name Nishimura Riki), 15, the Japanese member of rookie K-pop boy band ENHYPEN, tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The idol group’s agency, BELIFT Lab, announced on Sept. 5 that Ni-ki contracted COVID-19 on Sept. 4 while under self-quarantine, becoming the sixth member of ENHYPEN to be infected with the virus.
“Ni-ki had entered into self-quarantine in separate quarters and closely monitored his condition with daily self-testing as well as PCR testing; he began showing symptoms of coughing on Friday, September 3, and on the following day was diagnosed as positive for COVID-19,” the agency said.
It added, “Following directives from health authorities he is preparing for relocation to a treatment facility, and is showing light symptoms. It is with the deepest sense of regret that we offer our apology to our fans for this news of an additional diagnosis of a member following our previous notice.”
“Our company will do our utmost to ensure the artists can recover to full health. In addition, we will continue to cooperate with requests and instructions from government health authorities,” said BELIFT Lab.
Ni-ki was diagnosed with COVID-19 just two days after it was announced that ENHYPEN members Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Jake and Sunghoon had the virus on Sept. 2. Sunoo is the remaining member of ENHYPEN who is COVID-19 free.
BELIFT Lab announced then that Jake, who experienced cough and fever, was the first to contract COVID-19 on Aug. 30.
“Subsequently, members Jungwoon, Heeseung, Jay and Sunghoon began showing similar symptoms on Monday, and PCR testing was carried out which confirmed their positive diagnosis for COVID-19,” it said.