Park Gyuri Emphasizes Self-Quarantine Before Visiting Itaewon Club, Saying "Let's Overcome COVID-19 Well"

Actor Park Gyuri, former member of the group Kara. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Park Gyuri, an actress and former member of the group Kara, has become the center of controversy after visiting an Itaewon club where confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) were reported. It has been revealed that she wrote a post aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19 just before her club visit.

On the 28th of last month, right before visiting the Itaewon club, Park Gyuri posted on her Twitter, "It is a night full of thoughts. I hope everyone endures this situation well and meets again in good health as soon as possible," and "I exercise. I need to clear my mind," along with a photo certifying her home training.

She also donated 10,000 masks in March to help overcome COVID-19.

On the 2nd, it was revealed that Park Gyuri visited a club in Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, which was visited by patient number 66 in Yongin City, leading to public backlash.

Most visitors to the club at that time reportedly did not wear masks and danced without observing 'social distancing,' raising concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

Former KARA member and actress Park Gyuri wrote a post encouraging people to overcome COVID-19 just before visiting the Itaewon club, where a large number of new coronavirus infections occurred. Photo by Park Gyuri Twitter

According to a media report on the 11th, Park Gyuri was said to have danced to Kara's songs at the club that day.

As the controversy intensified, Park Gyuri stated on the 11th, "I deeply reflect on and apologize for not following the rules that everyone must observe during the social distancing period."

Regarding allegations that she did not wear a mask, she explained, "I wore a mask continuously from the time of entry until leaving, and I got tested immediately after the news about the confirmed case came out. The test result was negative, and I am currently self-quarantining. I apologize once again."

The Itaewon club Park Gyuri visited is known as a place where a large number of COVID-19 cases occurred during the golden holiday period.

Meanwhile, Park Gyuri debuted in 2007 as a member of Kara and transitioned to acting in 2016, appearing in dramas such as 'Jang Yeong-sil,' 'The Rose of Sharon Has Bloomed,' and 'The Last Empress.'

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