Booster Shot Received... Lee Byung-hun and Lee Min-jung Couple Test Positive for COVID-19

Lee Byung-hun, Lee Min-jung, Tablo Confirmed Positive
SBS Drama Premiere Postponed
Pop Culture Industry on High Alert

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Iseul] As the daily number of COVID-19 confirmed cases approaches 50,000, actor couple Lee Byung-hun and Lee Min-jung, along with singer Tablo, have tested positive. SBS has postponed the drama broadcast schedule by one week.

A BH Entertainment official told Asia Economy on the 9th, "Lee Byung-hun tested positive on the 7th in a recent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test conducted due to feeling unwell and is currently in self-quarantine," adding, "There are no major health issues at present." Lee Byung-hun has completed his third dose of vaccination.

A representative from the agency MSTEAM Entertainment stated, "Lee Min-jung was classified as a close contact of Lee Byung-hun and tested positive on the 8th after undergoing a COVID-19 test. She is currently in self-quarantine."

Following Lee Byung-hun's positive diagnosis, the tvN new drama 'Our Blues' halted filming and all cast and crew underwent testing. The drama team said, "All staff and cast members were tested and received negative results," and added, "We will proceed with filming while considering safety according to the guidelines of the quarantine authorities."

The drama 'Our Blues,' set against the backdrop of the Jeju sea, stars Lee Byung-hun along with actors Shin Min-a, Cha Seung-won, Lee Jung-eun, Han Ji-min, and Kim Woo-bin.

On the same day, Tablo (Lee Seon-woong), a member of the group Epik High, also announced that he tested positive for COVID-19 and is in self-quarantine.

SBS postponed the premiere of the drama 'Business Proposal,' originally scheduled for the 21st, by one week to the 28th. The drama team stated, "Due to changes in the filming schedule caused by COVID-19 and to ensure a safe production environment, we have reluctantly decided to delay the first broadcast by one week."

As the Omicron variant of COVID-19 spreads rapidly, the entertainment industry is also showing signs of tension with daily confirmed cases occurring continuously.

On the same day, the Central Disease Control Headquarters announced that the number of confirmed cases increased by 49,567, bringing the cumulative total to 1,131,248. The number of new confirmed cases surged by 12,848 compared to the previous day (36,719), nearing 50,000. In response, authorities changed the quarantine system, stopping location tracking of home-treated patients and contact tracing of confirmed cases.