After Suga, K-pop superstars BTS members RM and Jim have been diagnosed with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Christmas Day.
Big Hit Music announced that RM and Jin tested positive for COVID-19 on the evening of Dec. 25.
RM arrived in South Korea from the US on Dec. 17 and started his 10-day mandatory quarantine as required by authorities for arriving passengers. He was scheduled to be released from quarantine on Dec. 26 and underwent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on Dec. 25 as required and tested positive.
Meanwhile, Jin came back to South Korea last Dec. 6 and also underwent a 10-day quarantine. He tested negative before his release and completed his quarantine. However, he felt flu-like symptoms on the afternoon of Dec. 25 and got tested and his results came back positive. Jin is under self-isolation at home.
Just like Suga’s case, RM and Jin’s positive results are breakthrough infections, or when a person gets COVID-19 after full vaccination. RM and Jin had their second dose of the vaccine last August.
On Dec. 24, Suga tested positive for COVID-19, or a day after he arrived in South Korea from the US on Dec. 23.
Here is Big Hit Music’s statement about RM and Jin testing positive for COVID-19:
“BTS members RM and Jin were diagnosed with COVID-19 on the evening of Saturday, December 25.
“After returning on Friday the 17th from the United States following his personal schedule as part of his official vacation period, RM immediately underwent PCR testing, was found negative and entered into self-quarantine in his home as mandated by COVID-19 control procedures. However, he underwent PCR testing today before his scheduled release from quarantine and was found to be positive for COVID-19; he is currently exhibiting no particular symptoms.
“Jin returned to Korea on Monday, December 6 and underwent PCR testing immediately after his return and again before his release from self-quarantine, and was found negative on both occasions. However, feeling flu-like symptoms this afternoon he underwent PCR testing and was found positive for COVID-19 late this evening. He is exhibiting mild symptoms including light fever, and is undergoing self-treatment at home.
“RM and Jin both completed their second round of COVID-19 vaccinations in late August, and are currently undergoing self-treatment at home as per health authority guidelines. Neither member had any contact with other members after their return to Korea.
“Our company will continue to provide support for the rapid recovery of RM and Jin, placing our highest priority on the health and safety of our artists. We will continue to cooperate fully with the requests and guidelines of healthcare authorities. Thank you.”