Seven members of a K-pop boy band Cravity and four of K-pop group BLANK2Y tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in one day to bring the total number of infected Korean stars to at least 95 since Jan. 19.
According to agency Starship Entertainment on Feb. 12, the group members who have been confirmed to have COVID-19 are Serim, Allen, Jungmo, Minhee, Hyeongjun, Taeyoung, and Seongmin.
It said that on the evening of Feb. 11, Taeyoung showed symptoms of fever so all members performed tests using self-test kits.
As Hyeongjun tested positive through the kit, all the members immediately went to the hospital and underwent a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.
“As a result, Serim, Allen, Jungmo, Minhee, Hyeongjun, Taeyoung, and Sungmin tested positive for COVID-19,” Starship Entertainment said.
The seven K-pop idols have breakthrough infections as they are fully vaccinated. Breakthrough infection is a COVID-19 infection of a fully vaccinated person.
The agency said that when Cravity members have a schedule, they undergo testing using self-test kits. When they test negative, the schedule is implemented.
“Currently, the members have no symptoms other than fever and sore throat. Following the transfer of the PCR test results, we are awaiting guidance from quarantine authorities. Members who tested positive are isolated and resting for at-home treatment while Woobin and Wonjin, who tested negative, are in self-quarantine,” it said.
The agency said because of the members’ health condition, the release of Cravity’s upcoming album “Liberty: In Our Cosmos" on Feb. 22 has been postponed.
In addition, four members of upcoming K-pop boy band BLANK2Y also tested positive on Feb. 12.
Keystone Entertainment, the group's agency, said, "Lee Young-bin, Kim Tae-woo, Park Si-woo and Park Dong-hyuk have been confirmed with COVID-19."
It said the four developed mild cold symptoms on Feb. 10 and became positive through self-test kits. They underwent PCR tests and came out positive for the virus on the morning of Feb. 12.
The four are fully vaccinated and currently have no major health problems. All their schedules have been suspended and they are focusing on self-isolation and treatment.
Two members of K-pop boy band 2AM also tested positive for COVID-19.
Seulong and Jinwoon both tested positive for COVID-19 on Feb. 12 via PCR tests. On Feb. 11, 2AM member Jo Kwon tested positive. As a result, 2AM’s solo concert, slated on Feb. 12 and 13, was canceled.
Earlier, K-pop idols Wonwoo of Seventeen and Gunwoo of T1419, and Korean TV show “Running Man” star Haha have been confirmed to have COVID-19 on Feb. 12.
Also testing positive for COVID-19 on are K-pop boy band ENHYPEN’s Sunoo and “Squid Game” star Heo Sung-tae.
South Korea is battling a surge in new COVID-19 cases due to the highly contagious Omicron variant.