Is the Public Culture Sector's Quarantine This Way Okay... BTS V and Lee Seung-gi Test Positive in Succession

BTS V and Lee Seung-gi Confirmed Positive
Red Alert for Quarantine in Popular Culture Sector

BTS V, Lee Seung-gi / Photo by Big Hit Music, Hook Entertainment

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] A red light has been turned on for quarantine measures at filming sites as COVID-19 cases continue to emerge in the popular culture industry.

On the 16th, BTS member V (Kim Taehyung) and broadcaster Lee Seunggi each announced that they tested positive for COVID-19.

BTS's agency Big Hit Music stated, "V experienced mild sore throat symptoms and visited a hospital on the afternoon of the 15th to undergo a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test, which confirmed he was positive for COVID-19."

V has completed his second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and is reportedly undergoing home treatment due to mild symptoms.

He is the fifth BTS member to test positive, following Suga, RM, and Jin who were confirmed after returning from their U.S. schedule and vacation last December, and Jimin in January. Other members who recently had contact with V have tested negative using self-test kits (rapid antigen tests).

Photo by BigHit Music

On the same day, Lee Seunggi also tested positive for COVID-19. His agency announced, "Ahead of a commercial shoot, he tested positive on a self-test kit, leading to the suspension of his schedule and a subsequent PCR test confirmed the diagnosis."

As a result, filming schedules for SBS variety show 'Master in the House,' JTBC's 'Sing Again 2,' and SBS's 'Circle House,' all featuring Lee Seunggi, are expected to face unavoidable disruptions. Previously, Yang Sehyung, who appears on 'Master in the House,' also tested positive.

Recently, a large number of figures in the entertainment industry, including Kim Sungjoo, Kim Jongkook, Moon Seyoon, Ji Seokjin, Haha, Kim Junho, ATEEZ member San, BTOB's Seo Eunkwang, Weeekly member Lee Sujin, and comedian Kim Jimin, have tested positive.

With the continuous emergence of confirmed cases in the popular culture sector, concerns about the spread of infection are rising. Despite vaccinations, the environment where 60 to 70 people gather without masks for filming requires thorough personal quarantine measures.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters, from midnight to 9 p.m. the previous day, the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases nationwide across 17 cities and provinces was recorded at 85,114.

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