On Thursday, Dec. 24, photos and videos of THE BOYZ member Eric of him not wearing a mask or face shield at a bowling alley was spread to numerous online community forums. Cre.Ker Entertainment has since released an apology for his action.
According to fans, Eric was seen with two former high school classmates around mid-November. He and his friends were all seen bowling and having fun without any masks or face shields. At the time, coronavirus cases in South Korea were seeing a dramatic rise after months of no local cases. During the supposed time he was seen out and about, The National Disease and Control Prevention Department had announced stage 1.5 for social distancing. This means that it is required by law to wear face masks indoor in public areas at all times.
After Instagram Story screenshots and screen recordings of the idol in a bowling alley went viral, people immediately started criticizing Eric for violating COVID-19 prevention guidelines and for possibly putting other people at risk of the virus.
After the photos and videos went viral, THE BOYZ's agency, Cre.Ker Entertainment, release an official statement to apologize for Eric's actions. Keep on reading to see their statement:
"Hello. This is Cre.Ker Entertainment.
First of all, we would like to apologize for causing so much concern during a time where many people are suffering from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
Eric was unable to comply with the COVID-10 guidelines during a time in which wearing a mask was required indoors in all public areas at all times.
Eric is deeply reflecting on his wrongdoings, and the agency would also like to apologize for not properly managing our artists during their personal time.
The video from the bowling alley that has been making its rounds recently was found to have been filmed by a friend of the same gender. He was with his friends from his high school back in mid-November. The video that was taken was edited by a different person and uploaded again to social media.
Regardless of the above details of the event, Eric is clearly in the wrong for this recent incident, and we will double our efforts to ensure that such actions are not repeated in the future. Additionally, we promise to do our best to abide by all COVID-19 prevent and social distancing guidelines during this difficult time.
However, we ask that people stop distributing photos and videos that can cause additional misunderstandings, also refrain from spreading exaggerated suspicions regarding this incident.
At this tie, we are in the process of collecting evidence in order to pursue legal action against fake and malicious comments and rumors regarding our artists, and we want to inform everyone that we will b strengthening our system to protect our artist, while also responding appropriately to those who commit crimes by spreading malicious content online. With that, please be aware that dangerous actions, such as engaging in the practice of spreading false and harmful rumors, falls under punishable jurisdiction.
We apologize once again for causing concern.
Thank you."
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Written by Alexa Lewis
