BTS' Jimin diagnosed with acute appendicitis, tested positive for COVID-19: Big Hit Music
Jimin of K-Pop sensation BTS was diagnosed with acute appendicitis and also tested positive for COVID-19, his agency Big Hit Music announced on Jan. 31.
In a post on Weverse, an online community where fans and artists interact, Big Hit Music said Jimin experienced sudden abdominal pain along with a mild sore throat on Jan. 30.
"He visited a hospital emergency room for a thorough examination, and also took a PCR test," the statement read, adding that Jimin underwent surgery Monday morning (Jan. 31) "following physician advice."
Big Hit said that according to medical staff, Jimin's surgery was successful, and he's currently recuperating after his procedure.
"He will be receiving a few days of in-patient treatment for COVID-19 in conjunction with postoperative care," it said, noting that Jimin is "making a speedy recovery."
"(Jimin) had no contact with the other (BTS) members during the infectious stage," Big Hit said.
The company assured fans that its artists' health is its "top priority." It also vowed to "diligently cooperate with the requests and guidelines of the health care authorities."
Medical news website WebMD defines appendicitis as an inflammation of the appendix, which "sits at the junction of the small and large intestine." It happens "when the appendix gets blocked, often by poop, a foreign body, or cancer."
"It's a medical emergency that almost always requires surgery as soon as possible to remove the appendix. Luckily, you can live just fine without it," WebMD says.
Jimin is the fourth BTS member to have contracted COVID-19, following SUGA, RM, and Jin. The three members have since fully recovered from the disease and have since finished their quarantine.