Despite vax, BTS is still hit with COVID-19
Three members the megapopular K-pop group BTS — RM, Jin and Suga — have COVID-19, their agency, Big Hit Music, said Saturday. The trio got their second dose of the vaccine in the summer, the agency said.
Suga was the first confirmed to have been infected after testing positive Friday; his fellow members were diagnosed Saturday.
According to the agency’s statement, Suga hasn’t displayed any symptoms, but is at home and is following health authorities’ guidelines. Jin’s symptoms are so far mild, including a slight fever. RM doesn’t have any symptoms.
Both RM and Suga had personal engagements scheduled in the U.S. in the midst of an official time off for the superstar seven-member group — which debuted in 2013 and is known for songs such as “Life Goes On.”
RM’s diagnosis comes on the heels of his return from the U.S. earlier in December and before he was supposed to end self-quarantine, according to the agency. Suga was also diagnosed during that post-travel quarantine.
Jin, who also traveled to the U.S., returned to South Korea this month and tested negative both when he arrived and prior to his release from self-quarantine, but he got a positive test following flulike symptoms Saturday, the agency said.
The singing septet, which has nearly 58 million Instagram followers, has achieved worldwide acclaim and recognition both for their music — which topped the Billboard Hot 100 three times last year — and willingness to speak out on issues, including a denouncement of anti-Asian racism at the United Nations.
BTS has won numerous awards in South Korea and around the world. The group’s track “Butter” is nominated for a Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The Grammys will be awarded Jan. 31.