K-pop star Kim Jae-joong has apologized for posting a tone deaf April Fools message on social media.
On Wednesday, the singer claimed on Instagram that he tested positive for COVID-19 after ignoring government warnings and “living carelessly.” About an hour later, the 34-year-old edited the post to admit it was an April Fools’ Day joke that he hoped would raise awareness about the virus.
After deleting the original post, Jae-joong posted an apology. “It was not right – I know that,” he wrote, calling it “bad judgment.”
He added: “For causing distress, I sincerely apologize to the government agencies and medical professionals who are working hard because of COVID-19 and to the many people who are following instructions to give up on their lifestyles and are doing all they can to overcome this.”
To date, more than 48,000 people around the world have died of complications from COVID-19, including at least 169 in South Korea.
“The citizens are currently very sensitive due to the COVID-19,” said Yoon Tae Ho of the South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare at a media briefing. “Accordingly, we must be careful with our words and what we upload on social media.”
