One of K-Pop’s biggest solo stars, Chungha, has been tested positive for coronavirus, her company MNH Entertainment announced on Monday.
Kim Chung-ha is the most recent case for idols in this industry to be contracting the virus right after the two members from Up10tion and two members from Everglow who was announced to bring back positive results last week.
The artists, including Chungha that are tested positive, are currently isolating and going through self-quarantine.
The fear of a cluster inside the industry is getting bigger, and Sana from Twice is being tested as she had recently come in contact with Chungha.
Twice had attended the Mnet Asian Music Awards (Mama) ceremony on Sunday night, along with Iz*One, who will also be tested – the group had to cancel their scheduled events promoting their new song and album, that was supposed to be on Monday at 5 pm Hong Kong time (3 pm Thailand time).
Chungha received her COVID-19 results on Monday morning, according to MNH. Those that have been in close proximity to her are advised to undergo testing as well.
Currently, the COVID-19 spread is skyrocketing in South Korea since the first outbreak.
The K-Pop industry had taken measures to avoid widespread, like making concerts without a live audience. Rumors even spread about the stars and staff waiting inside their cars or outside the venue in order to avoid close contact with the people.
Other changes are also being made as precautionary actions, like the BTS’ label Big Hit Entertainment had announced their New Year’s Eve concert will go fully online. BTS, GFriend, Tomorrow X Together, Nu’Est, Enhypen, and other artists are set to perform.
Man of the artists, like Gummy, Baek Ji-young, and Solji of Exid have canceled their concerts, despite the fact that December is the most anticipated concert season in South Korea.
Chungha’s name began trending in South Korean websites and portals as the news spread, and people who have been waiting for her first full-length album, Querencia, that was set to be released on January 4, would probably have to wait longer as the star will have to change her promotional schedule for release.
Source: South China Morning Post