Jaejoong was one of the first personalities to raise awareness of COVID-19, and he has consistently donated to stay true to this goal.
In late January, he's contributed to delivering masks. In early February, he also made a significant contribution to the Korean Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association to help combat coronavirus. Jaejoong didn't want the details to be disclosed to the public, according to the organization, but they wish those who are in need who accept his caring contribution learn about his generous heart.
On April 15, it was announced that Jaejoong, together with several Japanese public personalities, is involved in a healthcare project organized by the Japanese non-profit organization JAPAN HEART as a group member of the project cooperation, which intends to provide medical establishments with large-scale monetary support immediately with a massive number of surgical masks, in effort to prevent the deterioration of the medical field.
"Every day, my heart aches, seeing healthcare workers at risk facing the uncertainties of saving lives struggling with COVID-19. But now that our sovereignty is limited, there are always plenty of initiatives we can consider to avoid the deterioration of the medical service system," the idol said.
"With this initiative, I want to help our front liners, the medical professionals. I always hope for the world to go back to everything it ought to be. Thank you so much for your cooperation," he added.
Given this news, many Japanese, Korean, and worldwide supporters of the singer surged to participate in this campaign to help stop the medical field breakdown and encourage the noble intentions of the artist. Some of his fans praised him on SNS.
"Of course, the main reason for donation is they wish to provide masks but seeing many fans join the project because they love Jaejoong-san, I got teary. I think it is so sweet of them!" One netizen said.
April Fools' Prank
On April 1, Jaejoong posted a disturbing statement on Instagram about being diagnosed with COVID-19, explaining that it was because of his inattentiveness and ignorance of the state's security directives
"I'm apologizing to those who might have been diagnosed with the infection because of me. I've been like this because of my dumb decision to remain believing it's never going to be me," Jaejoong wrote.
"I'm being treated. I'm filled with emotions of remorse and regret while dwelling on my mistakes. There's so much I want to express ... I want to see so many people," he added.
After drawing flak on the web, he apologized for alarming his fans and revealed that his illness was not real through a lengthy post. He claimed that he never treated this circumstance as a prank (all his previous behavior on the infection can verify it). However, he had close people examining COVID-19 positively, and his fans were well informed before this article that his father was ill and was admitted in the course of the spread.
Jaejoong explained in his clarification about his father.
"My father was in the hospital not too long ago because of lung cancer surgery. I got upset when I saw medical personnel and patients in the hospital, so I wished that those who think of the virus as a concern for anyone else would also find it their problem," he said.
"And for those who work very hard to get us out of the coronavirus, I believe we should be aware of the reality that there are a large number of people who indulge their spare time without using any protective equipment or masks. I figured more awareness was necessary when I learned that," he went on.
