K-Pop Star Suga Tests Positive for COVID-19 after BTS Return from US

Suga, songwriter and rapper for K-pop sensation BTS, has tested positive for the coronavirus. (Reuters)
Suga, songwriter and rapper for K-pop sensation BTS, has tested positive for the coronavirus. (Reuters)
TT
20

K-Pop Star Suga Tests Positive for COVID-19 after BTS Return from US

Suga, songwriter and rapper for K-pop sensation BTS, has tested positive for the coronavirus. (Reuters)
Suga, songwriter and rapper for K-pop sensation BTS, has tested positive for the coronavirus. (Reuters)

Suga, songwriter and rapper for K-pop sensation BTS, has tested positive for the coronavirus after returning from in-person concerts in the United States, the group's management said on Friday.

Suga, 28, whose real name is Min Yoon-gi, was confirmed to have contracted the virus on Friday during his self quarantine upon his return home on Thursday, according to Bit Hit Music .

He had received his second COVID-19 vaccination in August, had not come in contact with any other members recently and was not showing any symptoms, the company said.

"He is currently administering self-care at home," it said in a statement. "We see the artists' health as our top priority, and will do everything we can to aid SUGA in his speedy recovery."

The band has had "a number of personal engagements in the United States" after holding their first in-person concerts in Los Angeles since the start of the pandemic.

Big Hit has said BTS would take a break over year-end holidays and prepare for a new concert and album.

Since their 2013 debut, BTS has spearheaded a global K-Pop craze with catchy, upbeat music and dances, as well as lyrics and social campaigns aimed at empowering young people.

The group won the top prize of artist of the year at the American Music Awards for the first time in November, and best pop song for their summer hit "Butter," among other awards.

As the pandemic swept the world, BTS postponed and then called off what would have been their biggest global tour involving nearly 40 concerts last year, resorting to online shows.



Arnold Schwarzenegger and Carrie-Anne Moss Make Magic in 'Fubar' Season 2

Cast members Arnold Schwarzenegger, Fortune Feimster, Fabiana Udenio, Monica Barbaro, Barbara Eve Harris, Aparna Brielle, Travis Van Winkle, Carrie-Anne Moss, Milan Carter and Guy Burnet attend a premiere for season 2 of the television series FUBAR in Los Angeles, California, US, June 11, 2025. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
Cast members Arnold Schwarzenegger, Fortune Feimster, Fabiana Udenio, Monica Barbaro, Barbara Eve Harris, Aparna Brielle, Travis Van Winkle, Carrie-Anne Moss, Milan Carter and Guy Burnet attend a premiere for season 2 of the television series FUBAR in Los Angeles, California, US, June 11, 2025. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
TT
20

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Carrie-Anne Moss Make Magic in 'Fubar' Season 2

Cast members Arnold Schwarzenegger, Fortune Feimster, Fabiana Udenio, Monica Barbaro, Barbara Eve Harris, Aparna Brielle, Travis Van Winkle, Carrie-Anne Moss, Milan Carter and Guy Burnet attend a premiere for season 2 of the television series FUBAR in Los Angeles, California, US, June 11, 2025. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
Cast members Arnold Schwarzenegger, Fortune Feimster, Fabiana Udenio, Monica Barbaro, Barbara Eve Harris, Aparna Brielle, Travis Van Winkle, Carrie-Anne Moss, Milan Carter and Guy Burnet attend a premiere for season 2 of the television series FUBAR in Los Angeles, California, US, June 11, 2025. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Austrian and American actor Arnold Schwarzenegger had to admit that it took him a lot of practice to nail the tango scene with Canadian actor Carrie-Anne Moss for season 2 of the Netflix action-comedy series "Fubar."

"We practiced. We practiced a lot, and she didn't need as much practice as I did, but I really practiced," the former California governor told Reuters.

The "Terminator" actor recalled doing the first take for the dance scene and impressing everyone with how ready they were.

"They just thought we were rehearsing, but they did not know that we were that prepared for the whole thing," Schwarzenegger said with a smile.

"Fubar" season 2, created by Nick Santora and produced by Skydance Television and Blackjack Films, premiered on Netflix last Thursday.

The story follows Luke Brunner, played by Schwarzenegger and his daughter Emma, played by Monica Barbaro, who are both CIA operatives.

Their fellow CIA team members include Barry Putt, played by Milan Carter, Boro Polonia, played by Gabriel Luna, Roo Russell, played by Fortune Feimster and Aldon Reese, portrayed by Travis Van Winkle.

In season 2, Brunner is back to working with his CIA team, but things take an unexpected turn when he encounters his ex-lover Greta Nelson, played by Carrie-Anne Moss.

Greta is a former East German spy who ends up going up against Brunner in both the tango and a tussling battle.

"Most of my scenes are with Arnold, so we developed this incredible friendship," Carrie-Anne said.

Schwarzenegger humorously recalled the "Matrix" actor bringing what he dubbed as "secret oil" to the set and putting it behind his ears before shooting a scene.

"Peppermint oil. I'm a big peppermint oil or just essential oil person," Carrie-Anne clarified.

"It was like some magic power because as soon as she smeared the stuff behind my ears, I mean it was like ‘pum!’ and we were kind of out of the gate doing our scenes in the most perfect way," Schwarzenegger added.