Coronavirus and K-pop: how the industry is trying to catch up with the latest wave to hit South Korea
- South Korea is seeing the biggest wave of Covid-19 infections yet, and now it’s affecting the K-pop industry
- The recent Mama awards is a potential super spreader: Sana from Twice had contact with Chung Ha before attending the show
The ongoing rise of Covid-19 in Seoul has sent the K-pop world into a tizzy after months of conducting business as usual, as more artists contract the coronavirus or come into contact with those who have.
South Korea’s biggest wave of the virus so far is hitting the country’s capital hard, and the tight-knit entertainment industry is rapidly attempting to account for the severity of the situation.
So far, five K-pop stars have tested positive for the virus – soloist Chung Ha, two members of Everglow, and two members of Up10tion. Many others have revealed they’ve tested negative for the virus after coming into contact with those five, or others who have Covid-19.
Regardless of negative test results, some artists have cancelled appearances or performances, holding to the 14-day self-isolation period, though others, depending on their connection to individuals who tested positive, are moving forward with their scheduled activities.
The biggest potential super spreader to date was Sunday’s 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards (Mama).