More K-pop idols test positive for Covid-19; Korea adds 2.4-M new cases in 1 week

More members of K-pop groups have tested positive for Covid-19 as South Korea continues to experience a surge in new cases due to the Omicron variant.

The new positive cases are former NU’EST member Baekho, and members of K-pop groups DKB and Purple Kiss while Seungmin of Stray Kids has recovered.

Pledis Entertainment announced on March 26 about Baekho’s condition.

“Baekho was tested positive on a self-test he preemptively took on Saturday, March 26 and promptly took a rapid antigen test and was diagnosed with Covid-19. Baekho is currently not exhibiting extraordinary symptoms and is administering self-treatment at home,” the agency said.

It added, “Therefore, Baekho will adjust his schedules and focus on the treatment for a while. We will provide you with updates on his activity resumption.”

On the other hand, Brave Entertainment said on March 27 that boy band DKB’s E-Chan, D1, GK and Lune have tested positive for Covid-19.

It said the four are fully vaccinated and have received their booster doses. E-Chan, D1 and Lune had sore throats with mild fever on March 26 and GK had no special symptoms. Through rapid antigen tests, they were confirmed to have Covid-19.

“Currently, E-Chan, D1, GK and Lune will take necessary measures according to the guidelines of the quarantine authorities and will be separated from the members and self-quarantine,” the agency said.

In February, DKB members Harry June, Teo, Junseo and Yuku tested positive for Covid-19.

In addition, girl group Purple Kiss members Dosie, Ireh and Yuki have been confirmed to have Covid-19 on March 26.

According to RBW, their agency, on March 26, Ireh showed symptoms of sore throat and underwent a rapid antigen test and was confirmed to have the virus.

All Purple Kiss members underwent rapid antigen testing and Dosie and Yuki tested positive.

The agency said the three are fully vaccinated and got their booster shots and currently have no symptoms other than mild cold.

Despite this, Purple Kiss’ third mini-album “memeM” will be released on March 29 as scheduled.

JYP Entertainment, meanwhile, said that “Stray Kids member Seungmin’s quarantine has been concluded as of March 27th (Sun), 0AM (KST).”

“Seungmin had been undergoing treatment at home in accordance with the guidelines of the disease prevention authorities, and he did not present any particular symptoms besides those of a slight cold during the quarantine period,” it said.

It added, “Since his quarantine has ended, he is able to return to his daily activities and participate in schedules starting today, March 27th (Sun).”

In one week from March 21 to 27, South Korea added 2.44 million new Covid-19 cases, or an average of 348,952 cases, to bring the total confirmed cases to 11.81 million.