It's #HappyKaiDay today, but some K-Netz are unhappy after EXO Kai and his friends, VIXX Ravi and HOTSHOT Timoteo, gathered on his birthday amid COVID-19 safety protocols.
On the midnight of Jan. 14, EXO's Kai hosted a live broadcast through his Instagram to celebrate his birthday together with his fans. However, his remarks on the coronavirus and quarantine rules became a hot topic online and earned flak from Korean netizens.
VIXX Ravi and HOTSHOT Timoteo Join EXO Kai to Celebrate His Birthday + Criticism Rises
According to Korean media outlet Money Today, EXO Kai communicated with his fans by hosting an Instagram live broadcast on Jan. 13. He started the broadcast alone, and he conveyed his regrets for not being able to spend his birthday with EXO-Ls (EXO fandom).
Kai said, "It's my birthday tomorrow but I have work. I came here because I wanted to be with you in the midst of this."
Also Read: Here are EXO Kai's Solo Debut Achievements That are Worth Noting
Later on, Kai said he was enjoying his birthday with Ravi, Timoteo, and another friend, Kwonho. The live stream gave off bright energy, and the four even played games and interacted with their online viewers.
During the broadcast, Kai brought up the topic of coronavirus and emphasized the rules, saying, "These days, there are health regulations. We should not have more than five people." He then continued by saying that there are only four people in their location.
Though Kai initially wore a mask, he eventually took it off and carried out the broadcast when his friend Ravi and Timoteo appeared. The other two idols, who joined the live broadcast, also appeared without their masks on.
Several celebrities sufferred and had to suspend their activities due to the spike of COVID-19 cases, which, in fact, also infected other idols. This was the reason why Korean online users criticized the EXO member.
Some K-Netz were particularly disappointed as both Kai and Ravi joined the "Thanks to You Challenge" for medical frontliners last year.
Internet users said, "Shouldn't we not have a private gathering?" and, "Gathering of more than five people is not allowed, but it doesn't mean that four can meet," and so on.
Currently, quarantine authorities are urging people to refrain from gathering if more than five people. Yoon Taeho, head of the quarantine team at the Central Accident Investigation Headquarters, said on Dec. 24 last year:
"We strongly recommend not to hold a private meeting with more than five people. This does not mean that the meeting is safe for up to four people, but that the risk of more than five people is very high."
Source: Naver
EXO Kai's Fans Make Generous Donation to Cancer Patients in Commemoration of His Birthday
Meanwhile, EXO Kai is proving his good influence as his fan community donated 8.8 million KRW for pediatric cancer treatment to the "Korea White Blood Disease Children's Foundation" in commemoration of his birthday.
All donations received will be used in the name of Kai to support the cost of treating children with cancer, according to the donor's will. The details of the application can be found on the website of the Korea White Blood Children's Foundation through the notice of "Economic Assistance Decision Patients."
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Written by Eunice Dawson
