UP10TION members Kogyeol and Bitto were discharged from the hospital on Dec. 13 and 14. However, TOP Media shared, in a statement released on Tuesday, Dec. 15, that Xiao-gun has tested positive for the COVID-19.
Many fans were saddened when it was confirmed that two Up10tion members contracted the deadly coronavirus. Bitto tested positive on Nov. 30, while Kogyeol got the sad news on Dec. 1. At the time, other group members - Sunyoul Hwanhee, Gyujin, Kuhn, and Xiao - were all negative.
Bitto is now negative, but Kogyeol and Xiao are positive
TOP Media revealed that their staff and employees underwent testing after Bitto and Kogyeol got positive results. Though most of them, including their manager, did not were negative about having the virus, the group decided to self-isolate in an attempt to stop the spread.
Members of NCT and Aespa were tested since they appeared on the same programs as the singers before they were told of the result. CNBLUE and BTOB also underwent pre-emptive testing.
Unfortunately, Xiao has tested positive exactly two weeks after Bitto and Kogyeol were confirmed to have contracted the virus. The agency has made it clear, however, that Xiao-gun lived in a separate place during isolation. He also did not have any close contacts.
Though he showed no symptoms, Xiao would have to undergo another series of tests to check if he is still infected with the coronavirus. TOP Media vowed to monitor the Up10tion member's condition from time to time. The agency even assured fans that it would do its best to make sure that all of its artists are safe.
Kogyeol, for his part, is still positive. Though he is asymptomatic, health authorities recommended that the Up10tion member should remain isolated and must undergo additional tests for his safety.
Aside from Bitto, Kogyeol, and Xiao, other K-Pop idols who tested positive for the fatal virus include former Kara member Park Gyu-ri, Everglow members Sihyeon and Yiren, and singer Lee Chan-Won. As of this writing, South Korea has recorded 44,364 cases, with 32, 559 recoveries and 600 deaths. Meanwhile, recent statistics show that there have been 72.8 million cases worldwide already.
UP10TION is making a mark in the K-Pop scene
For starters, TOP Media formed Up10tion in 2015 and debuted with a mini-album titled "Top Secret." The EP, which includes the debut track "So, Dangerous," made it to Gaon's Top 10 Album Chart. The group made their official music program debut on Mnet's "M! Countdown."
Two months after, Up10tion released a second mini-album called "Bravo!" which included the songs "Catch Me!" and "Party2nite." Yong Bae and Iggy produced the EP's lead single. The album peaked at number 5 on Gaon's Top 10 Album Chart.
UP10TION released their ninth mini-album on Sept. 24, 2020. While numerous fans were thrilled for the new batch of tracks, they were also distraught that Jinhoo was not able to promote their new EP as he is on a hiatus due to some health issues. In November, it was announced that Jinhoo has started his mandatory military service already.
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Written by Nica V.
