It might’ve been April’s fool yesterday, but the coronavirus pandemic is certainly not a joke.
Thousands of people are dying due to the virus every day and even more are infected with the coronavirus.
Unfortunately, some people did not get the memo that this is no joking matter:
Korean Singer Drew Flak for Saying He’s COVID-19 Positive as an April Fool’s Joke
Netizens are not amused by a Korean Singer’s April Fools’ Day prank.
Korean singer Kim Jaejoong, a JYJ member, took to his Instagram page on 1 April with a post that claimed that he had tested positive for the COVID-19 and is currently being treated in hospital.
The post has since been deleted but not before it was translated and circulated on social media.
The 34-year-old singer also said in his post that he was “too careless” and did not heed the warnings that were provided by the government.
He also apologised in case he had infected anyone in the process.
“There’s a lot I want to say. There’s so many people that I want to see…”
Wow, he actually sounds really convincing.
Netizens Shocked As He Had Attended A Show The Day Before
But if you’re wondering why netizens are reacting especially badly to his announcement, it’s because he had attended a Japanese Music Show, NHK Utacon just one day before he made the announcement.
If the news was indeed true, this potentially meant that he could’ve infected anyone he came into close contact with the day before.
Obviously, this caused great alarm for netizens.
There was no audience during the recording due to the social distancing measures in light of the coronavirus outbreak.
That said, other artistes which included idol group Nogizaka46 were present at the studio.
His agency has since responded to media enquiries and said that they would investigate the matter.
His label, C-JeS Entertainment, told Allkpop that it “just came across the post now. We will check on the matter.”
Made An Apology Shortly After
However, to give him some credit, he did post an apology soon after.
He said, “to have someone you love infected with a virus is heartbreaking. Despite that, there are still a lot of people who are on the streets, acting as though [nothing bad] will ever happen to them. Because of such people, many are worried that their families and loved ones will fall sick.”
He also revealed that he knew of people whose loved ones had tested positive for the coronavirus.
“Among the people I know, there are also many whose loved ones have tested positive [for COVID-19]. This isn’t happening far away from us. Tears aren’t enough if carelessness causes this to become a reality. Let’s all be alert as ever.”
He also acknowledged that his prank was inappropriate and that he will accept any punishment rendered to him.
“The prank was out of hand for an April Fools’ Day joke. Within a short period of time, many people voiced their concern for me (…) I want to tell everyone that protecting yourself is how you can also protect others. I will be punished accordingly for [my previous] post. I hope everyone will stay healthy.”
The Situation In Korea
The coronavirus outbreak is definitely no laughing matter. In South Korea, the virus exploded on 18 February and multiplied by 180-fold in a span of two weeks.
According to Worldometers, South Korea has reported 9,976 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 169 deaths, while 5,828 have recovered.