SF9 Chani and Hwiyoung released their apology after being booked for violating social distancing rules amid the surge of COVID-19 in Korea.

On Jan. 27, FNC Entertainment, SF9's agency revealed the current status of Hwiyoung and Chani, who were both investigated for violating COVID-19 regulations on Jan. 18. On the same day, both idols bowed their heads by posting handwritten apologies.

SF9 Chani, Hwiyoung Caught in a Bar Past Mandated Closing Time, Booked for Violating Social Distancing Rules

According to the statement of their agency, a report came to the police that a business establishment was still operating at 1 a.m. KST, despite Korea's government-mandated closing time at 9 p.m. KST in Seoul. Due to this, the police immediately responded and went to a drinking bar at Nonhyeon-dong.

In the scene, 15 people were caught, and FNC confirmed that Chani and Hwiyoung were present at that time. The situation was reportedly hard as the bar locked the door and would not open it, so the police and officers from the fire department had to forcibly open the door to enter the bar.

As a result, all of them including the "Tear Drop" singers were booked on charges of violating the Infectious Disease Prevention Act amid the surge of COVID-19 in Korea.

FNC, SF9 Chani & Hwiyoung Release Official Apology

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On Jan. 27 then, on this day, FNC conveyed their sincere apology and explained the situation.

"After Hwiyoung and Chani's scheduled activities on that day, the idols were contacted by an acquaintance to celebrate Chani's birthday," which was on Jan. 17. "[...]We sincerely apologize for causing concern and disappointment to many people with this incident," the agency added.

In addition to this, the idols posted their handwritten apology letters through the official SF9 account.

"I sincerely apologize to the fans who showed support and trust in me. I also offer my apologies to SF9 members and staff who worried for me," Chani said, adding that he will reflect on himself.

Hwiyoung also wrote his letter, saying, "I am embarrassed for being complacent amid people who are doing their best for everyone's health. I am sincerely sorry to everyone who cherished me, and I will do self-reflect on my wrong choices without giving any excuse."

SF9's Recent Concert Re-Examined, Fans Express Disappointment

Following this news, controversy is mounting over the fact that the SF9 face-to-face concert was held after Hwiyoung and Chani were booked by the police.

In context, SF9 held a face-to-face concert at Olympic Hall in Olympic Park in Seoul from Jan. 21 to 23. On Jan. 18, the two were investigated for violating social distancing rules.

The face-to-face concert, which is held at a time when the COVID-19 situation continues, requires the audience to confirm the completion of the vaccination or to confirm the PCR negative test documents. It is an effort to minimize infection according to quarantine rules.

However, it was belatedly revealed that the singers holding the concert violated the quarantine rules and took the stage while being booked, shocked and disappointed fans.

READ MORE: THE BOYZ Younghoon Tests Positive of COVID-19, Group Cancels Activities

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Written by Eunice Dawson