Since Donghyun Has Tested Positive And Is Isolated In The Dorm, There Will Be A High Possibility That The Other Members Have Also Been Infected. The Virus May Not Be Detected For Up To A Week In The Incubation Stage.
It was recently announced that EPEX’s Geum Donghyun tested positive for COVID-19. Because of this, he will not be able to participate in the filming of the 2022 “Idol Star Athletic Championship (ISAC)”.
EPEX’s agency stated, “Hello, this is C9 Entertainment. EPEX’s Geum Donghyun was scheduled to appear in the futsal category for the ISAC Chuseok Special 2022 on MBC. However, he tested positive for COVID-19 on July 26, 2022, and was unable to participate in the filming.
They confirmed the participation of the other members, saying, “We would like to inform you that the other 7 members, Wish , MU , A-Min , Baekseung , Ayden , Yewang , and Jeff will continue to participate in the recording of the program as planned. Thank you.”
This is the first ISAC return since the pandemic. More than a hundred idols will gather at the large sports complex to shoot the event. The show has been viewed negatively by idol fans thanks to the dangers of the event.
Over the years, much of the impact of ISAC has been on idols being forced to compete in various sporting events. On the other hand, with the pandemic not completely over, it will become a breeding ground for viruses.
However, this event is notable for the way rookie groups are pretty much forced to participate. Insiders claim that if they don’t participate in the show, they could face punishment from TV stations such as being kicked out of variety shows or given less screen time on music shows.
Although C9 Entertainment avoided mentioning ISAC’s “must join” rules, fans are concerned about the health of EPEX and the other participating idols. Since Donghyun has tested positive and is isolated in the dorm, there will be a high possibility that the other members have also contracted the virus. The virus may not be detected for up to a week in the incubation stage.
“No, but…it’s possible that the other members will test positive over the next few days… Are they going to let them go to filming like that?” netizen comments. “That’s right, with so many people gathered there…” said another netizen. “They will probably shoot without masks too, at a place with dozens of other idols…” said another.
“Huh…can they just leave? They probably won’t be wearing masks,” said a netizen. “Aren’t the other members dangerous too because they all live in the same dorm?” another comment. “I have 3 friends who went to the EPEX fan meeting and got COVID,” added another.
While it is not required by law to be quarantined again if it tests negative despite having been in contact with a confirmed person, in most situations self-quarantine is taken voluntarily as a precaution. In the case of EPEX, this is a difficult thing considering they were forced to appear on the show as a rookie group.