More Korean stars have tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as the surge continues in South Korea due to the Omicron variant.
On Feb. 11, K-pop boy band ENHYPEN’s Sunoo, “Squid Game” star Heo Sung-tae, 2AM’s Jo Kwon and comedian Kim Jun-ho were announced to be positive for COVID-19.
Meanwhile, “Running Man” star Haha and young trot singer Kim Tae-yeon tested positive using self-test kits. They are awaiting the results of their polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests.
ENHYPEN’s Sunoo
In a statement on Feb. 11, Belift Lab, ENHYPEN’s agency, said, “We would like to provide you with some information on ENHYPEN member Sunoo being diagnosed with COVID-19 as well as adjustments in his activities.“
It said Sunoo had a fever and went to the hospital on Feb. 9 and was advised to go to a clinic to undergo a PCR test.
“His test results came back positive on Thursday the 10th and is confirmed with COVID-19. Sunoo received two doses of the vaccine and is currently not exhibiting any extraordinary symptoms other than a cough and sore throat. He is currently receiving treatment in accordance with the healthcare authority guidelines,” added Belift Lab.
The agency said “all the other ENHYPEN members took rapid antigen tests on Wednesday the 9th and PCR tests on Thursday the 10th both of which came back negative for everyone, and the members are currently not presenting any symptoms. All members preemptively went into quarantine before Sunoo was diagnosed.”
“Taking the duration of quarantine into account, Sunoo and Jungwon will feature in the EBS radio show Listen as DJs from Sunday, February 20 instead of Sunday, February 13 as originally planned,” it said.
Back in September, all ENHYPEN members except Sunoo tested positive for COVID-19. They were Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon and Ni-ki.
“Squid Game” actor Heo Sung-tae
Heo Sung-tae, who played villain Jang Deok-su in “Squid Game,” was announced to have COVID-19.
"After close contact with a confirmed person on Feb. 10, Heo Sung-tae's self-test kit showed a positive result, so he immediately proceeded with a PCR test and was confirmed to have COVID-19,” said Hanahreum Company, his agency.
His case is a breakthrough infection as the agency said the 44-year-old actor is fully vaccinated and was slated to get his booster shot when he tested positive. He has suspended his schedules and has no major symptoms of COVID-19.
2AM’s Jo Kwon
K-pop boy band 2AM’s Jo Kwon tested positive for COVID-19 on Feb. 11.
"Jo Kwon tested positive yesterday in his self-test kit, and as a result of the PCR test, he was confirmed today ," said Cube Entertainment.
It said Jo Kwon is fully vaccinated and received his booster dose. As a result, 2AM’s solo concert, slated on Feb. 12 and 13, have been canceled.
“Running Man” star Haha
Haha tested positive for COVID-19 on Feb. 10 using a self-test antigen kit after he experienced slight fever and went into self-isolation. He is waiting for the result of his PCR test.
Recently, “Running Man” stars Kim Jong-kook, Yang Se-chan and Jee Seok-jin were confirmed to have COVID-19 through PCR tests.
From Jan. 19 to Feb. 11, at least 75 Korean stars, including K-pop idols, tested positive for COVID-19.
COVID-19 cases in South Korea continued to remain unabated. A total of 53,926 new COVID-19 cases were recorded on Feb. 11 to push the total confirmed cases to 1,239,287.
“Squid Game” star Lee Byung-hun and his wife, actress Lee Min-jung, were announced to have COVID-19 last Feb. 9. Also positive for the virus are actor Lee Ji-hoon and Epik High's Tablo.
Last Feb. 7, K-pop group DAY6’s Wonpil and JUST B members Geonu and Sangwoo tested positive. Singer Kim Junsu and actress Park So-dam also got the virus.
Among those who have recovered from COVID-19 are The Boyz members, Eric, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Ju Haknyeon and Sangyeon; BTS’ Jimin; Kep1er members Chaeyun and Youngeun; iKON’s Chanwoo, Kim Jinhwan, Song Yunheong, Kim Donghyuk and Koo Jun-hoe; Treasure’s Choi Hyun-suk, Junkyu, Mashiho and Yoshi; WINNER’s Lee Seunghoon; WEi members Kim Dong-han, Yoo Yong-ha and Kang Seok-hwa; Cherry Bullet’s Bora; P1Harmony’s Intak; actor Jung Il-woo; Viviz’s SinB, Eunha and Umji (all former members of GFriend); Momoland’s JooE; and Sian of T1419.
Other Korean stars who tested positive for COVID-19 are Fromis 9’s Seoyeon (Feb. 4), CIX’s Bae Jin-young (Feb. 4), JUST B’s Lim Jimin and JM (Feb. 5), TV personality Jun Hyun-moo (Feb. 4), comedian Yang Se-hyung, musical actors Lee Choong-joo, Park Kang-hyun and Ock Joo-hyun and Kim Jae-hwan of the former boy band Wanna One.
Also testing positive for COVID-19 are Drippin’s Hwang Yun-seong, Joo Chang-uk, Lee Hyeop and Cha Jun-ho; actor Lee Sang-yoon; Korean drama “Mouse” star Park Ju-hyun; Oh My Girl’s Yubin; Brave Girls’ Yuna; comedian Jo Se-ho; former IZ*ONE member Kwon Eun-bi; Weeekly’s Jaehee; former Sistar member Hyolyn; Super Junior’s Eunhyuk; EPEX’s A-Min, Wish and Jeff; and musical actors Seo Kyung-soo, Park Kang-hyun and Jeong Sun Ah.