K-Pop Stars COVID-19 Update: Aespa's Karina, Winter And Ningning Test Negative

Aespa's Karina, Winter and Ningning, who were held at an airport in South Korea after they arrived from the U.S., have tested negative for COVID-19.

The girl group's management agency, SM Entertainment confirmed the news Sunday after the three singers were temporarily held at the Incheon International Airport after exhibiting symptoms of a cold.

The fourth member of the group, Giselle, left the airport ahead of the others as she did not have any symptoms.

Aespa was a guest performer at Macy's 95h Thanksgiving Parade on Thursday in New York City. The group performed their debut single, "Savage" at the Olay float.

South Korea has seen a resurgence of COVID-19 cases recently although nearly 80% of its population have already been fully vaccinated. The country's health ministry Thursday discussed the possibility of reintroducing tighter measures to contain the infections.

Blackpink's Lisa Manobal was the latest K-pop star to test positive for COVID-19. Lisa, who was fully vaccinated, recently returned after traveling to the U.S. to promote her album "Lalisa." She is asymptomatic and is currently completing the mandatory two-week isolation. Her bandmates tested negative for the virus.

Aside from Lisa, Pentagon's Kino also tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday. The test results of his bandmates returned negative. "Descendants Of The Sun" actor Jin Goo contracted the virus earlier this month.

Dawon and Hwiyoung, members of boyband SF9, tested positive for the virus in October. The same month, A.C.E.'s Jun and Chan were also infected.

Dreamcatcher's Gayeon and Astro's Jinjin contracted the virus in September.

Non-vaccinated close contacts of COVID-19 patients in South Korea should undergo self-isolation for 10 days. However, fully vaccinated close contacts are exempted from self-quarantine measures if they test negative for COVID-19.