BTS Member Jungkook Contracts Coronavirus

BTS vocalist Jungkook has been diagnosed with coronavirus shortly after arriving in the United States.

The band’s management company Big Hit Music announced the news on Tuesday.

The announcement comes just days after fellow member J-Hope was diagnosed with the coronavirus.

“We would like to provide you with some information on BTS member Jung Kook being diagnosed with Covid-19,” BigHit Music said in a statement.

“Jungkook was tested negative on a PCR test in Korea, and he departed for the United States on Sunday, March 27 (KST) in preparation for the Grammy Awards performance. After arriving in Las Vegas, he felt a slight discomfort in his throat and promptly took a rapid PCR test (Covid-19 molecular PCR test) and a standard PCR test (Covid-19 quantitative PCR test) on the afternoon of Sunday, March 27 (PT).” the statement continued.

The agency added that during a “pro-active” self-quarantine, the results of two tests came back positive and he was confirmed with coronavirus on Monday (March 28).

He is currently under self-quarantine and receiving treatment as well as following the guidelines of authorities in the U.S. and has no symptoms other than a mild sore throat.

Big Hit added that Jungkook’s participation in the band’s upcoming U.S. performances will be determined by local regulations on coronavirus and that they are actively in discussions with awards organizers, an apparent reference to their upcoming performance at the April 3 Grammy Awards.

“We would like to extend our sincerest apologies to our fans for causing you concern despite our effort to take all necessary measures for our artists’ health prior to and throughout the schedule in the United States,” added the agency.

At this point, all seven members have tested positive for the virus, with Jungkook and J-Hope following on the heels of diagnoses of RM, Suga, Jimin, V, and Jin in the past few months.