"Foreign Media Criticize K-pop Star Kim Jaejoong's April Fools' Prank Pretending to Have COVID-19"

Singer Kim Jaejoong. Photo by Kim Jaejoong Official Website

[Source - New York Times Capture]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Shin-won] Singer and actor Kim Jaejoong (34) caused controversy after initially announcing that he had tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), only to later reveal it was an April Fools' joke. Foreign media also voiced criticism over the incident.

On the 1st (local time), The New York Times (NYT) published an article titled "K-pop Star Makes April Fools' Joke About COVID-19." The NYT reported, "JYJ's Jaejoong told fans that he was infected with the virus and was receiving treatment. Shocked fans were not amused," adding, "For most people, COVID-19 is no laughing matter. But Korean star Jaejoong decided to pretend he was infected as an April Fools' joke."

It continued, "With about 2 million followers, he posted the joke on his Instagram, causing shock and concern among many fans," and "However, less than an hour later, he admitted it was a 'joke,' and fans' support turned into anger."

The article also noted, "Many celebrities such as actor Tom Hanks, basketball player Kevin Durant, and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson have contracted COVID-19," and "Governments worldwide are working to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and fearing a surge of fake news related to COVID-19 due to April Fools' Day, governments of Thailand, Taiwan, India, Germany, as well as the South Korean government, have warned that legal action could be taken. However, no specific measures against him have been decided yet."

British broadcaster BBC also reported, "Kim Jaejoong, former member of TVXQ and currently part of the group JYJ, posted on Instagram that he was infected with COVID-19, only to later say it was an April Fools' joke," adding, "He has previously fooled fans with silly pranks such as pretending to faint during concerts or falsely announcing marriage plans."

Earlier, Kim Jaejoong confessed on his Instagram that he was "infected with COVID-19," but about 50 minutes later, he revealed it was an "April Fools' joke." He also added that the joke was meant to raise awareness.

However, as the COVID-19 crisis prolonged and the number of confirmed cases in South Korea approached 10,000 with 165 deaths, criticism arose that such a joke was inappropriate. A petition demanding Kim Jaejoong's punishment was even submitted to the Blue House. According to Star News, the Central Disease Control Headquarters is reportedly discussing the possibility of taking disciplinary action against Kim Jaejoong internally.