[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lim Juhyung] Singer Kim Jaejoong, who had announced that he tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), revealed that "it was an April Fools' Day joke."
On the afternoon of the 1st, Kim Jaejoong posted on his Instagram, stating, "I will accept any punishment I receive because of this post," and made the announcement.
He added, "Although it was quite excessive as a joke, many people worried about me in a short time," and "I wanted to convey that protecting yourself is protecting the people you care about."
In response, some netizens criticized Kim Jaejoong, calling it an excessively reckless prank. One netizen expressed, "There are appropriate things to joke about. Did you really think it was okay to post such a message while people are suffering from the current situation?"
Another netizen said, "I was very worried when I first heard the infection news, but now I am angry," and questioned, "Did we really have to deliver the message to be careful in this way?"
Earlier, Kim Jaejoong had directly announced his COVID-19 positive status that day. He said, "I have been infected with the COVID-19 virus," and admitted, "It was my carelessness to ignore all the precautions advised by the government and those around me."
He also apologized, saying, "I am currently hospitalized," and "Reflecting on the past, I feel both gratitude and remorse."
Regarding this, Kim Jaejoong's agency C-JeS Entertainment told multiple media outlets, "Kim Jaejoong is currently active in Japan," and "We are assessing the situation."
Meanwhile, Kim Jaejoong debuted in 2004 as a member of the group 'Dong Bang Shin Ki'.
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