RM and Jin of BTS test positive for COVID-19, WHO chief sends them get well soon wishes
RM is asymptomatic, while Jin has mild fever according to BigHit Music.
In a statement released on the fan platform Weverse, the agency said the two members tested positive for COVID-19 on the evening of Christmas Day, Dec. 25.
“After returning on Friday the 17th from the United States following his personal schedule as part of his official vacation period, RM immediately underwent PCR testing, was found negative and entered into self quarantine in his home as mandated by COVID-19 control procedures,” BigHit statement reads.
Before his scheduled release from quarantine, Kim Nam-joon, also known as BTS’ RM, underwent another PCR testing and that’s where he was found positive for the corinavirus. The agency also said the BTS leader is “currently exhibiting no particular symptoms.”
Some of the BTS members, including RM, remained in the US for an extended period of rest after BTS’ widely successful four-day “Permission to Dance on Stage” tour in Los Angeles, California.
Among the places RM visited during his vacation were Texas, Malibu, Washington and New York, as seen in his newly created Instagram account.
Meanwhile Jin, who went back home to South Korea on Dec. 6, also underwent PCR testing immediately after his return and another before his release from self-quarantine. Both tests yielded negative results.
“However, feeling flu-like symptoms this afternoon (Dec. 25) he underwent PCR testing and was found positive for COVID-19 late this evening. He is exhibiting mild symptoms including light fever, and is undergoing self-treatment at home,” BigHit said.
The announcement came a day after the agency confirmed that another member, Suga, who also stayed behind in the US after their concert, was “administering self-care at home” after testing positive for COVID-19 upon returning home on Dec. 23.
According to BigHit, all three members have been fully vaccinated and none of them had any contact with other group members after their return to South Korea.
Among those who wished the BTS members to get well soon was World Health Organization director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The WHO chief tweeted, addressing them by their nicknames, “Namjoon, Jin and Yoongi, rest well and feel better soon!”
Tedros also took the opportunity to remind the public on the importance of still taking precautions during the pandemic.
Dear @BTS_twt Namjoon, Jin & Yoongi, rest well & feel better soon! 빨리 낫길 바랄게요.
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) December 25, 2021
It’s so important for everyone to take precautions: Wear a well-fitting mask, keep a safe distance, avoid poorly ventilated, crowded spaces, clean hands and get vaccinated when it’s your turn.
“Wear a well-fitting mask, keep a safe distance, avoid poorly ventilated, crowded spaces, clean hands and get vaccinated when it’s your turn,” he tweeted.
Tedros previously applauded BTS for their music and the positive message they put out for their fans.
When they released the record-breaking summer anthem Permission to Dance in July, Tedros praised BTS for including international sign language in the music video, which was also pointed out by eagle-eyed ARMYs.
And in September 2020, he thanked J-Hope on Twitter for reminding the ARMYs to wear a mask as their families gather for the upcoming holidays.
Tedros also thanked the group the same month for “offering comfort and healing words” to the health workers and those suffering from COVID-19 through their music.
