BTS’ Jimin tests positive for COVID-19 following appendicitis surgery
"The surgery was successful and Jimin is currently recuperating after his procedure," a statement said
BTS member Jimin has become the fourth member of the band to test positive for COVID-19 in the last month.
A statement from BTS‘ label Big Hit Music to Reuters confirmed that Jimin had been hospitalised with abdominal pain on Sunday (January 30), before testing positive the following day, and undergoing surgery for acute appendicitis.
The statement said: “The surgery was successful and Jimin is currently recuperating after his procedure,” also confirming that the singer was making a “speedy recovery” from COVID-19.
In the last month, Rapper RM, vocalist Jin, and rapper Suga from the band all tested positive after the band returned from a series of stadium shows in the United States, their first gigs since 2019.
As announced back in December, BTS are currently on an “extended period of rest” which is their first time off since 2019.
The hugely popular K-pop group had been performing a residency at the SoFi Stadium in California late last year, and also performed at the Jingle Ball Tour.
The band’s representatives from Big Hit Music have said they are now taking time off to recharge.
They wrote: “We would like to inform you that BTS is planning to take a second official extended period of rest since their first in 2019, after they complete their official scheduled events of ‘BTS PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE – LA’ and the ‘2021 Jingle Ball Tour.”
They continued: “BTS stayed active in order to engage with fans in 2020 and 2021 amidst the Covid-19 situation, and achieved dazzling results to cement themselves as top global artists.”
” This period of rest will provide the members of BTS who have tirelessly committed themselves to their activities, a chance to get re-inspired and recharge with creative energy,” the statement added.
“It will also be the first time for them since their debut to spend the holiday season with their families. We kindly ask once again that you show consideration for their need to enjoy ordinary and free, everyday lives while solely concentrating on themselves, albeit for a short while, during their period of rest.”
The band, made up of J-Hope, Jimin, Jin, Jungkook, RM, Suga, and V took a similar break back in 2019.
They are also preparing to record their next album, referred to as a “new chapter” for the band.
BTS will also perform a concert in Seoul in March to “connect and communicate with the fans in person.”