Pentagon's Shinwon tests positive COVID-19; Korea records 166,000 new cases in 1 day

K-pop boy band Pentagon member Shinwon tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as South Korea tallied more than 166,000 new cases.

In a notice, Cube Entertainment said Shinwon was confirmed to have COVID-19 on Feb. 26.

“Shinwon of Pentagon tested positive for COVID-19 today (26th). Shinwon tested positive for the initial test (self-test kit). He then visited a screening clinic to receive the COVID-19 PCR Test, and today (the 26th) his final result came out positive,” Pentagon’s agency said.

Shinwon’s case is a breakthrough infection or infection of a fully vaccinated person.

“Previously, Shinwon had received his second shot of the COVID-19 vaccine and is currently suspending all schedules and taking necessary measures according to the guidelines of the health authority. We will comply with the health authority's quarantine regulations and dedicate our best efforts to ensuring our artists’ health and safety,” the agency said.

Shinwon tested positive three days after fellow Pentagon member Jinho was diagnosed to have the disease.

Last Feb. 23, Cube Entertainment said Jinho tested positive for COVID-19.

“Jinho conducted the initial test (self-test kit) and tested positive. Afterward, he conducted the PCR test and tested positive today (23rd),” it said.

Jinho, who is fully vaccinated, “is currently suspending all schedules and taking necessary measures according to the guidelines of the health authority.”

South Korea recorded 166,209 new cases of COVID-19 cases on Feb. 26 to bring the total confirmed cases to 2.83 million. The country has been battling a surge in cases due to the highly contagious Omicron variant.

From Feb. 20 to 26, the daily average of new cases totaled 139,039, according to Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare.

At least 155 Korean stars including Shinwon have tested positive for COVID-19 since Jan. 19.

Recent COVID-19 cases include K-pop boy band Seventeen member Vernon, girl group Billlie’s Haram and Sheon, actress Shin Hye-sun, actor-idol Lee Jun-young and Mamamoo’ Solar.