Management of K-pop band BTS issues apology over a member's bar visit amid coronavirus outbreak

The manager of South Korea`s popular boyband BTS has issued an apology on behalf of one of its members who went to a bar in April flouting the government's advice of stepping out due to the outbreak of coronavirus.

The country is trying to contain a recent coronavirus outbreak around Seoul`s club scene.

Jungkook, the BTS` main vocalist, visited a restaurant and a bar in the Itaewon neighbourhood with friends on April 25, the boyband`s management Big Hit Entertainment said on Monday.

A new cluster of virus cases emerged in that neighbourhood this month as social distancing measures eased on May 6, prompting authorities to delay school reopening and close bars and clubs again.

"We have no excuse that we placed the artist`s personal life before we were able to emphasize the importance of social distancing. We bow our head in apology," the company said.

The 22-year old, who was there before the first case among Itaewon clubgoers was confirmed, is not showing any symptoms and has tested negative for the coronavirus.

"He is also deeply regretting on how he did not follow social distancing measures seriously."

South Korea has been lauded for its quick and effective response to the pandemic but the resurgence of cases has raised concerns about the second wave of infections.

Before the rules were eased on May 6, authorities had allowed clubs and bars to stay open as long as they complied with strict social distancing measures, while advising people not to visit them.

Local media reported three other boy band members were with Jungkook during that outing, including Cha Eun-woo of Astro, Mingyu of Seventeen and Jaehyun of NCT.

The managers of all three issued statements confirming they were in Itaewon on the same day as Jungkook, apologising for their failure to follow social distancing measures. Jaehyun posted a handwritten apology on social media.
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(With inputs from Reuters)