Jungkook: BTS member talks about his controversial Itaewon visit for the first time and personally apologized to everyone

Jungkook, the youngest member of the South Korean boy group, BTS, was involved in controversy late last month. He was one of the idols who were spotted in one of Seoul’s hotspots, Itaewon and his visit was criticized because he was reported to have ignored the social distancing protocol along with his friends.

Jungkook’s controversial outing in April

The 22-year-old idol singer was seen with his friends ASTRO’s Cha Eun Woo, NCT’s 127’s Jaehyun, and Seventeen’s Mingyu in April. Based on the reports, the group visited some bars and a restaurant, and they were out on the day when the coronavirus outbreak has started again due to a person who went bar-hopping and spread the virus to many people.

It was said that South Korea started the nationwide social distancing campaign from March 22 to May 5. In April, when the bars have opened for business again, the youths have flocked to these establishments to have fun after weeks of being confined in their homes due to lockdown.

Many celebrities were said to have visited clubs in April, and Jungkook and his friends were also there according to reports. Big Hit Entertainment and the agencies of his friends have issued statements to apologize on behalf of their artists.

They acknowledge their failure to follow the social distancing protocol. However, they firmly stated that Jungkook and his friends did not visit the bar and club where the COVID-19 infection has occurred. The four idols also complied with the rule that they have to be tested for the virus and their results came back negative.

Jungkook ’s apology

While Big Hit Entertainment already apologized, Jungkook stepped out last weekend to talk about the incident for the first time. He then personally expressed regret over what happened.

"I am truly sorry for those who have had a hard time and strived to battle the virus,” The Korea Times quoted Jungkook as saying. “I feel the same for other BTS members who always stand by me and I feel heavy-hearted as my beloved fans might have had a difficult time because of me."

Jungkook added that he talked a lot with h his co-members and reflected. He ended his apology by saying that he will always be careful with actions from now on. “I wanted to speak directly to you live ― from now on, I will be more careful in my thoughts and actions always and everywhere," he said.