Yikes! Another day, another controversy surrounding the Covid-19 cluster in Itaewon and famous Hallyu celebs.
This time, it was reported that a number of top stars had attended a large gathering held in the neighbourhood on 9th May. Some of the celebs include Lee Min Jung, former After School member Lee Joo Yeon, T-ara’s Hyomin and ex-WINNER member Nam Tae Hyun.
As reported by Sports Kyunghyang, the event celebrated the birthday of a well-known individual in the fashion industry, and numerous celebrities attended the party hosted privately at a cafe located in the aforementioned location. Not only that, the press further claimed that none of the guests wore masks during the event.
In response to the report, the “Cunning Single Lady” actress’ agency, MS Team Entertainment, confirmed she briefly attended the party, but also clarified that it was in Cheongdam-dong, not Itaewon.
“The rumours that Lee Min Jung participated in a birthday party held in Itaewon are false. She went to Cheongdam-dong to send gifts for her close friend’s birthday. She dropped by to say hi and took some pictures with the guests before leaving,” the entertainment company wrote in the statement.
Lee Joo Yeon’s agency Mystic Story came up with a statement that reads:
“Hello, this is Mystic Story. We are delivering a statement regarding the report of Lee Joo Yeon’s participation at the party. Joo Yeon was invited to attend an acquaintance’s birthday party held at a cafe in Cheongdam-dong on 9th May. It was not in Itaewon as reported previously.
She is currently reflecting on her actions for causing concerns while everyone is practicing social distancing and putting in effort to stop the spread of Covid-19. The agency and the artists will be careful so that a similar situation does not arise again in the future.”
Hyomin’s company Sublime Artist Agency also released the following statement to address the issue. Read it here:
“Hello, this is Sublime Artiste Agency. First of all, we would like to apologise for the careless actions of our agency’s artiste Hyomin.
On 9th May, Hyomin and another of our signed artiste attended a friend’s birthday party that was held at a cafe in the neighbourhood of Cheongdam-dong. Although it is late, the two are aware that they acted carelessly regardless of the reason, and they are reflecting on their actions. We apologise once again for being negligent in managing our artists. Thank you.”
Lastly, Nam Tae Hyun’s agency P&B Entertainment clarified that he did not attend the recent birthday party in Itaewon amid the Covid-19 cluster warning. Read what the label had to say here:
“Nam Tae Hyun attended a birthday party in Cheongdam-dong at the invitation of his acquaintance. The location is not a cafe in Itaewon. He apologises for attending the party despite the social atmosphere when we’re trying to prevent the spread of Covid-19. He will pay attention to his actions and reflect on himself.”
Hopefully these Hallyu stars will be able to learn from this incident.
