K-pop idols sorry for going to Itaewon bars amid COVID-19 social distancing rules
Four members of K-pop boy bands are self-reflecting after going to a restaurant and bars, an act that was seen as flouting social distancing rules that were advised by the Korean government.
On May 18, Korean news outlet Dispatch exclusively reported that BTS’ Jungkook, NCT 127’s Jaehyun, Astro’s Cha Eun Woo and Seventeen’s Mingyu were confirmed to have visited a restaurant and two bars in Itaewon District in Seoul on April 25 and stayed there until early morning of April 26.
Itaewon is a popular hangout because of its numerous bars and restaurants, and it is a hub for foreigners.
But their night of fun turned into a PR disaster after a 29-yearold man from Yongin in Gyeonggi Province who visited five clubs in Itaewon on May 1 and 2 tested positive for the virus on May 6.
This resulted in COVID-19 cluster infection with 170 confirmed cases linked to Itaewon clubs as of May 18 including 102 who are aged 19 to 29, according to Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
The four K-pop idols did not go to any of the five clubs visited by the patient but the incident prompted the KCDC to issue an alert on May 11 that “anyone who visited any of the nightlife entertainment venues in Itaewon area including any clubs or bars from 24 April to 6 May” should stay home and get tested for COVID-19.
But a KCDC alert on May 10 advised that only those who visited clubs in Itaewon from April 30 to May 6 should stay home and get tested, a period that did not cover the K-pop idols’ visit to the area.
So contrary to Dispatch’s report, Cha Eun Woo and Jaehyun’s TV appearances and official activities between April 25 to May 10 did not violate government quarantine or COVID-19 testing advisory.
The four tested negative for COVID-19; however, although they did not violate any law, they were criticized for not observing social distancing.
On April 24, or a day before the four went to Itaewon, the KCDC warned that “COVID-19 outbreak is still ongoing even though the number of new confirmed cases has been small lately.”
It “asked people to actively cooperate in Social Distancing and asked people to be careful this weekend regarding religious facilities and nightlife facilities.”
“Nightlife entertainment venues are also recommended to refrain from operating as much as possible. Such venues that remain operating must comply with infection prevention/control measures including checking people for fever or respiratory symptoms and disinfecting/ventilating thoroughly,” the KCDC said.
The KCDC also stressed “people are recommended to refrain from visiting any enclosed space with poor ventilation or any place that are frequented by a lot of people.”
Entertainment agencies confirmed their stars’ visit to Itaewon and issued apologies for not stressing social distancing on their artists.
“It is true that Jungkook visited Itaewon. However, at the time of his visit, he did not go to the same place that had the confirmed case in early May, and he went about a week before the case occurred,” said Big Hit Entertainment, BTS’ agency, according to SBS Star.
It added, “We would like to sincerely bow our heads in apology to everyone. Jungkook is currently deeply reflecting on the fact that he has not faithfully participated in the efforts of keeping social distance.”
Pledis Entertainment, Mingyu’s agency, said, “Mingyu is deeply reflecting on his own wrongdoing as he failed to comply with the government’s general regulations during social distancing,” Osen reported.
Cha Eun Woo’s agency, Fantagio, said, “No matter what the reason was, the fact that our artist Cha Eun Woo visited the area near Itaewon at this time when everyone is practicing social distancing is a reckless act. At the moment, he is deeply reflecting himself for not seriously conforming to the social distancing regulation,” according to MyDaily.
Jaehyun posted a handwritten letter on Instagram on May 19 to say that he’s sorry for going to Itaewon and not observing social distancing.