Another SHINee member diagnosed with influenza flu

Onew, a member of Korean pop group SHINee, has become infected with the influenza virus, making him the second person in his band to suffer from the new flu strain.

The pop idol is currently resting at home after being diagnosed on Saturday as having the H1N1 influenza flu, his agency SM Entertainment said. He was unable to perform at SBS' music show Inkigayo on Sunday.

SHINee member Jonghyun had also fallen ill with the flu last week and was unable to sing at KBS' show Music Bank on Friday but had recovered in time to be back on Sunday's stage.

SM said the remaining three members also underwent medical examination as precautionary measure but received clean bills of health.

The five-member group, who released their third mini-album "2009, Year Of Us" two weeks ago, has topped various music charts in Korea. They saw their second consecutive week of win at both music shows the past week despite the absence of a member for each show.

SHINee has had several K-pop hits, most notably their debut single "Older Girl, You're So Pretty" and the recent chart topper "Juliette" earlier this year.

Reporter : Lee Hye-rin rinny@asiae.co.kr
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr