More K-pop idols test positive for Covid-19; Apink members recover


More K-pop stars have tested positive for Covid-19 as South Korea recorded 210,176 new cases on March 7 due to the Omicron variant to push the total confirmed cases to 4.66 million.

Among those who have been diagnosed with Covid-19 include two members of K-pop boy band Astro, Hyuna, Kwanghee and members of Fromis 9.

(Clockwise from top left) Astro's Moonbin and Sanha, Hyuna and Fromis 9's Gyuri, Saerom and Chaeyoung (Instagram, Twitter)

In the morning of March 7, Pledis Entertainment said Seventeen member The 8 tested positive for Covid-19 to become the seventh member of the group to be diagnosed with coronavirus disease in three weeks.

Fantagio, Astro’s agency, announced on March 7 that members Moonbin and Sanha tested positive for Covid-19.

It said that Moonbin felt mild cold symptoms on March 6 and used a self-test kit, which turned out to be negative. However, the cold symptoms continued so he underwent a rapid antigen test, which resulted in a positive diagnosis. He immediately took a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test and was diagnosed with Covid-19 on March 7.

Sanha had a rapid antigen test as his movements overlapped with Moonbin. While it was negative, he underwent a PCR test and was confirmed to have Covid-19 on March 7.

“Currently, Moonbin has no symptoms other than a mild cold, and Sanha is asymptomatic, and both members will focus on treatment and recovery in accordance with the guidelines of the Covid-19 quarantine authorities,” the agency said.

Singer Hyuna was also diagnosed with Covid-19 on March 7, according to her agency P Nation. She had a slight fever and underwent a PCR test, which confirmed her positive diagnosis.

Pledis Entertainment, meanwhile, announced that Fromis 9 members Saerom, Gyuri and Chaeyoung tested positive for Covid-19.

“Lee Saerom and Jang Gyuri took a self-test as a proactive measure and tested positive on the self-test kit on Saturday, March 5. They promptly took a PCR test and were confirmed with Covid-19 on Sunday, March 6. Lee Saerom is currently not exhibiting symptoms other than a cough and a sore throat, and Jang Gyuri is also not exhibiting any symptoms other than a sore throat. They are both administering self-treatment at home,” the agency said.

It added, “Lee Chaeyoung was tested positive on the self-test kit after experiencing cough, sore throat and mild fever since Friday, March 4. She promptly took a PCR test and was confirmed with Covid-19 on Saturday, March 5. Lee Chaeyoung is currently not exhibiting symptoms other than cough, sore throat and mild fever and is administering self-treatment at home.”

Meanwhile, K-pop boy band CIX member BX will return to his dormitory after he tested negative in two PCR tests. Last March 4, Seunghun tested positive for Covid-19.

In addition, five members of girl group Apink have recovered from Covid-19.

IST Entertainment said on March 7 that the quarantine periods for Eunji and Hayoung, who tested positive last Feb. 28, and Chorong, Bomi and Namjoo, who were diagnosed with Covid-19 on March 1, ended on March 5 and 6, respectively.