K-pop boy band Super Junior member Choi Siwon tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in a case of breakthrough infection.
“Choi Siwon was diagnosed with COVID-19 on the morning of Dec. 10,” said SM Entertainment, Super Junior’s agency.
Siwon’s positive diagnosis is a case of breakthrough infection, or when a fully vaccinated person tests positive for the virus.
“Choi Siwon completed the second dose of the vaccine in September, and was confirmed in the COVID-19 PCR test, which was carried out as a preemptive measure in order to complete his schedule,” the agency stated.
As a result, Siwon will be absent at the 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) scheduled on Dec. 11. Last Dec. 7, MAMA announced Siwon as one of the presenters at the awards show.
“In response, Choi Siwon immediately stopped all schedules and is self-isolating. He will be absent from the 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards (2021 MAMA), in which he was scheduled to appear as a presenter tomorrow (Dec. 11),” SM Entertainment added.
Other Super Junior members and staff who had come in contact with Siwon will be tested for COVID-19.
“Choi Siwon and our company will actively follow the guidelines of the quarantine authorities, and we will do our best for a speedy recovery. We apologize for causing concern to many people,” said the agency.
South Korea is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases. A total of 7,022 new cases were recorded on Dec. 10 to bring the total confirmed cases to 503,606.
The Korean government also shortened the interval in the administration of booster shots to three months after the second dose from four to five months for 18 years old and above. For recipients of the single-shot Janssen vaccine recipients and immunocompromised patients, it is two months.