Amid anticipation for the first episode of Mnet's "Queendom" Season 2, fans suggested to delay the show's premiere after LOONA and some WJSN members announced their absence.
LOONA Confirms Absence on Mnet's 'Queendom' 2 First Episode Due to COVID-19
On February 28, Blockberry Creative, the agency of LOONA reported that the 12-member girl group won't be able to attend the filming for "Queendom 2" on the same day.
It was reported that members Haseul, Yeo Jin, and ViVi were confirmed to have COVID-19 since February 26.
ALSO READ: 'Queendom 2' Lineup — Mnet Reveals Female Artists Participating in Competition Show
"The three members have suspended all schedules and are taking necessary measures and stability according to the guidelines of the quarantine authorities," the agency explained.
Previously, it was reported that Yeo Jin have been vaccinated with booster for the COVID-19 vaccine, while Haseul and ViVi had been vaccinated up to the second dose of the vaccine.
Despite this, Blockberry Creative added:
"The rest of the members all tested negative in the rapid antigen test preemptively tested on February 25, but taking the incubation period into consideration, the self-diagnosis kit test was conducted once a day, and some of the members tested positive on Feb. 27. We are now proceeding with rapid antigen testing and PCR testing and awaiting the results.”
As a result, LOONA will not attend the first round of Mnet's "Queendom 2" competition scheduled today.
Blockberry Creative bowed their heads and said, "We apologize for causing concern to fans and other officials, and we will do our best for the health and safety of the artist."
#DELAYQUEENDOM: Many Demands Mnet to Move Show's First Episode Broadcast
Amid concerns over LOONA members, Orbits (LOONA fandom) expressed disappointment that they won't be able to see the group on the first round, which is one of the main highlights of Mnet's "Queendom."
loona is not going to be in the first episode at all, wjsn is missing multiple members. it makes no sense to start the show without all the groups. if you really value their hard work then DELAY IT and be fair for once #DELAYQUEENDOM @MnetKR
— julia (@LIARHYE) February 28, 2022
As of writing, the hashtag, #DELAYQUEENDOM rose into Twitter's real-time trends, many of fans demanding Mnet to just move the shooting so that LOONA can participate the show.
There are 42 contestants on Queendom and 64% is missing?? This is very obviously wrong #DELAYQUEENDOM
— . (@pahiwatigs) February 28, 2022
Along with them, Ujung, the fandom of Cosmic Girls (WJSN) joined the petition, following reports that some of the members won't to be able to join as well due to various reasons.
loona not participating in the first round would throw away their hard work & put them to a disadvantage. 3 wjsn members aren't going due to specific reasons. viviz are still promoting. @MnetKR the best and most fair way to deal with this is to #DELAYQUEENDOM
— nic (@jichuufilms) February 28, 2022
Lastly, some Na.V, fans of VIVIZ also hoped that Mnet will reconsider the premiere date as the trio is currently promoting their first EP, "Beam of Prism" released on Feb. 9.
On the other hand, Mnet's "Queendom" Season 2 will feature girl group battle between Brave Girls, LOONA, WJSN, Kep1er, VIVIZ and Hyolyn. The first episode is set to kick off on March 31 at 9:20 p.m. KST.
READ MORE: ‘Queendom’ Lineup Draws Mixed Reviews — Here’s Why
For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz.
KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Eunice Dawson
