[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Idol group SF9 members Hwiyoung (Kim Youngkyun) and Chanhee (Kang Chanhee) were found to have held a birthday party at a pub with the doors locked until 1 a.m., a fact that was revealed belatedly. They also performed on stage at a concert three days later.
According to quarantine authorities on the 27th, these members were found to have violated COVID-19 regulations. Their agency, FNC Entertainment, also confirmed the related facts on the same day. The agency announced, "We recognized today that on the 18th at 1 a.m., SF9 members Hwiyoung and Chanhee violated Seoul's COVID-19 quarantine rules during a gathering with acquaintances."
They visited a hold'em pub in Nonhyeon-dong after all schedules ended at night to celebrate Chanhee's birthday upon a friend's invitation, and during this process, they were investigated for violating quarantine rules.
They added, "It is clear that they acted carelessly and in a way that deserves criticism," and "They feel remorseful for causing concern and are deeply reflecting and regretting their actions."
The agency apologized, saying, "We sincerely apologize without any excuse for the negligence in management, and we will thoroughly manage and prepare measures to prevent such incidents from recurring."
At 1 a.m. on the 18th, police and firefighters forcibly entered a pub in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, which was closed with the doors locked. Fifteen people, including Chanhee and Hwiyoung who were inside the pub, were booked on charges of violating the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act.
It was later revealed that they actively participated in SF9's concert stages held from the 21st to the 23rd, three days later.
Currently, under social distancing quarantine rules, pubs and restaurants are prohibited from operating from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day.
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