[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] The number of new COVID-19 cases surpassed 30,000 over the weekend, signaling a red alert in the popular culture sector as well.
Musical actor Kim Junsu, who tested negative five times on rapid antigen tests, was confirmed positive through a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. His agency, Palm Tree Island, announced on the 7th that all schedules have been canceled and measures are being taken according to the guidelines of health authorities.
Kim Junsu underwent rapid antigen tests after hearing that a fellow actor in the musical tested positive for COVID-19. Although he received negative results five times, he later tested positive in an additional test conducted with the performance team.
It is known that Kim Junsu has completed the Moderna vaccine booster shot.
Previously, the musical "Excalibur" canceled weekend performances due to another actor’s positive diagnosis, and with Kim Junsu’s confirmation, schedule changes are inevitable for the time being.
COVID-19 cases continue to emerge in the performing arts community. Actors Ok Joo-hyun, Park Kang-hyun, Seo Kyung-soo, Jung Sun-ah, Lee Chung-joo, and Lee Sang-yoon have recently tested positive, leading to casting changes and cancellations for productions such as "Rebecca," "Something Rotten," "Hadestown," and the play "Last Session."
Lee Solomon, a former contestant on the comprehensive programming channel TV Chosun's "National Singer," also tested positive for COVID-19 on the 6th. His agency, n.CH Entertainment, reported that he had completed his second vaccine dose and is experiencing mild cold symptoms. Park Chang-geun, Kim Dong-hyun, and the production staff who recently had contact with him tested negative on rapid antigen tests.
Due to the spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, more than 30,000 new cases have been reported daily, and as of the 7th, the cumulative number of confirmed cases has exceeded 1 million.
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