JYJ’s Jaejoong Posts Apology Online For His April Fool’s Day Joke Regarding COVID-19
On April 1, JYJ’s Jaejoong posted a message on his personal Instagram stating that he had contracted COVID-19. This message shocked many fans as they sent out messages of support to the singer.
He later “confirmed” that his diagnosis was in fact an April Fool’s Joke. His updated Instagram post stated that although it was a bit much, he wanted to people to be more alert and aware about the current situation regarding COVID-19.
Many fans who saw this were disappointed in his actions especially since the virus was affecting all parts of the world. Many felt that he was being insensitive towards all the people who were fighting the virus as well as the medical staff that were working hard to help prevent the further spread of the virus. Jaejoong has then deleted his initial post on Instagram and has updated it with an apology letter regarding this April Fool’s Day Joke.
Jaejoong posted a long post online and explained that although his joke was a bit overwhelming, he felt that he had to convey how dangerous this situation is at this current moment in order to alert and spread awareness to the people who are not listening to the guidelines provided by medical personnel and who are not taking this seriously.
Below is his entire post:
I recognize the fact that my actions were something that I should not have done. First off, I would like to apologize to all those who have suffered from COVID-19 as well as those in the administrative fields that have been affected by my post on social media.
Bad judgement.
I know this.
The recognition of the risks and the counter measures taken due to the spread of the virus. I wanted to deliver a message that alerted people in order to minimize the number of people affected by the virus. It’s frightening to think that you can create second and third party preemptive cases due to confined spaces. Schools and outdoor activities have been pushed back even though the warm spring has arrived.
He also explains his experience being at the hospital during his father’s surgery and how he realized how serious the situation was and that people need to take this seriously in order for us to overcome this situation.
My father also had lung cancer surgery recently and was at the hospital for quite some time. While I was there, I saw the medical and the patients and felt a bit angry and wished that people wouldn’t think that the virus was someone else’s business and took to take it seriously as if it were their business. And so I wanted to convey a message to those who lived their day like normal without wearing a mask and spending time outdoors. Even with the media and the internet constantly reminding people to take precautions for the virus, there are people who still do not listen to those guidelines. I wanted to show the dangers of the present moment to the people who do not listen to the messages. I want to tell them, “Please. Please listen. Please. Please don’t be sick and please do not suffer from pain.”
He hopes that people can understand that this is not a distant story and that it is happening all over the world and is closer than we all think. He believes that we can overcome this if we all put our efforts together.
Even around me, confirmed cases of the virus are happening. This allowed me to realize that this virus wasn’t a distant story and it expanded my fear.
Reflecting on one’s actions after losing someone does not help with anything.
Although it may be frustrating and difficult, let us put our efforts together in order to overcome this difficult time.
Today’s previous post, although a bit overwhelming, has hurt many people and I have received much criticism for it. I had hoped that it received just enough attention for people to understand my story. I sincerely apologize from the bottom of my heart to all the government officials and medical staff who are fighting in the front lines against this virus as they strive to overcome this difficult situation.
