Three Members Of BTS Have Tested Positive For Covid-19

Three members of the K-pop group, BTS, have tested positive for Covid-19. The South Korean boyband’s managing company, Big Hit Music, made the announcement in a statement on the global fan website, Weverse. The three members to test positive are Suga, RM and Jin.

BTS had recently returned to South Korea after performing concerts in the U.S. The band had performed in “BTS Permission to Dance on Stage – LA” and “2021 Jingle Ball Tour.” These were the band’s first in-person performances in two years, since the beginning of the pandemic.

After these performances, the band took an extended period of vacation, announcing that they would take a break from the music scene and would pause performances. Big Hit Entertainment said this would give the members an opportunity to become “re-inspired and recharge with creative energy.”

Suga, 28, was the first to test positive. Upon returning to South Korea on Thursday, he took a PCR test, which found him positive for the virus. He immediately quarantined, as is protocol in South Korea, and reportedly did not come into contact with other members of the band.

The South Korean government has mandated that all international travelers must quarantine for 10 days, even if they are fully vaccinated. As such, RM, 27, has been quarantined since his return from the U.S. on the 17th. He tested negative for the virus when he began the quarantine, but when he took another test on Saturday before his scheduled release, it found him positive. As of now, he reportedly has not experienced any symptoms.

Jin, 29, tested positive on Saturday as well. He returned to South Korea on Dec. 6 and took PCR tests at the beginning and end of his quarantine, both of which were negative. However, he began experiencing “flu-like symptoms” on Saturday and took another test. This test found him positive of Covid-19. Big Hit Music said that Jin is experiencing mild symptoms, and has a light fever.

The music company said that neither RM nor Jin came into “any contact” with other members of the band since their return to South Korea.

All members of the band have received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. The three positive members are currently quarantining at their respective homes.

Big Hit Music said in its statement, “The company places the artists’ health as our top priority.” It added, “We will also diligently cooperate with the requests and guidelines of the healthcare authorities.”