[Comprehensive] 'I Got COVID-19' Kim Jaejoong, April Fools' Lie Spreads Widely

Kim Jaejoong's 'April Fool's COVID Joke' Backlash... "Please Punish Him" Petition to the Blue House

Singer Kim Jaejoong is causing controversy for making a false claim on April 1st, April Fools' Day, that he was infected with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Photo by Kim Jaejoong Official Website

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Singer and actor Kim Jae-joong repeatedly apologized for the controversy over his false claim of testing positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), but the uproar does not seem to be subsiding. A petition demanding punishment for Kim Jae-joong was also posted on the Blue House's public petition board.

On the afternoon of the 1st, Kim Jae-joong posted on his Instagram, "I myself recognize that it was an action that should not have been done," and apologized, saying, "I sincerely apologize to those who have been harmed by COVID-19 and those whose administrative work has been disrupted because of my SNS post."

He continued, "I know it was wrong," and explained, "I wanted to deliver a message with the hope that people would be more alert to the current relaxed response to the virus and the perception of its risks, in order to minimize the number of people who might be harmed by COVID-19."

He added, "Today's post... although excessive, I thought that if I drew enough attention, people might listen, but this method has hurt many and drawn criticism," and apologized sincerely, saying, "I deeply apologize to the government agencies and medical staff working hard against the coronavirus, and to many people who have given up their daily lives and are striving to overcome the situation according to the guidelines, for causing them distress with my post."

Earlier, on the 1st, Kim Jae-joong posted on his Instagram that he had been infected with COVID-19. He said, "I foolishly thought 'it won't happen to me,' but that foolish judgment has made me who I am now," and added, "I am hospitalized in a hospital. I reflect on many past moments with gratitude and regret."

However, Kim's statement was an April Fools' Day joke made on April 1. Kim Jae-joong explained, "It was an April Fools' joke that went too far, but many people worried about me in a short time. Absolutely!!! This is not someone else's issue. I wanted to tell you that protecting myself means protecting those precious to me."

On the 1st, a petition requesting the punishment of Kim Jaejoong was posted on the Blue House National Petition Board. / Photo by National Petition Board Capture

Afterwards, Kim Jae-joong said, "I will accept all punishments that come from this post," and deleted the post, but the controversy grew as a petition demanding punishment for Kim Jae-joong was posted on the Blue House's public petition board.

On the 1st, a petition titled "Please punish celebrity Kim ** for an excessive April Fools' prank" was posted on the Blue House's public petition board. The petitioner said, "A little while ago, celebrity Kim Jae-joong himself posted that he was infected with COVID-19," and added, "When the news came out and it became a hot topic, he edited the post to say it was a joke. Is it acceptable for a public figure to joke about an infectious disease?"

Meanwhile, Kim Jae-joong canceled his scheduled live broadcast appearance on NHK 1 Radio's "Furuya Masayuki's Pop A" on the afternoon of the previous day (the 1st). The "Furuya Masayuki's Pop A" team announced on their official website, "Kim Jae-joong was scheduled to appear on the program, but due to circumstances, today's broadcast will be changed."

Below is the full text of Kim Jae-joong's SNS post.

I myself recognize that it was an action that should not have been done.

First, I sincerely apologize to those who have been harmed by COVID-19 and those whose administrative work has been disrupted because of my SNS post.

I know it was wrong.

Given the current relaxed response to the virus and the perception of its risks, I wanted to deliver a message with the hope that people would be more alert to minimize the number of people who might be harmed by COVID-19.

With spring arriving and the season warming, outdoor leisure activities, delayed school openings, and increased time spent in enclosed spaces have made me very fearful that a second or third wave of COVID panic could arise.

My father recently underwent lung cancer surgery and has been visiting the hospital continuously. Seeing the medical staff and patients there made me angry and made me think that the virus is not someone else's problem but our own.

Therefore, I thought it was necessary to raise awareness because, contrary to those striving to escape COVID-19, many people are enjoying leisure activities without masks and in usual attire.

Various media and the internet are requesting caution, but many people are not listening. I wanted to somehow convey the current risks. "Please, listen carefully. Please, don't get sick or suffer."

Even around me, confirmed cases are appearing. I was convinced that this is not a distant issue, and my fear doubled. Regretting only after losing people is of no help. Although it is frustrating and difficult, I want to overcome this tough time together with a little more effort than now.

Today's post... although excessive, I thought that if I drew enough attention, people might listen, but this method has hurt many and drawn criticism.

I sincerely apologize for causing distress to government agencies and medical staff working hard against the coronavirus, and to many people who have given up their daily lives and are striving to overcome the situation according to the guidelines because of my post.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.