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The BTS members had a packed schedule for their visit to Las Vegas. After landing, though, Jungkook tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). After quarantining and later appearing at the Grammy Awards, this vocalist shared what he learned from his self-isolation experience.  

BTS’ Jungkook tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19)

Jungkook of BTS performs onstage during the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards
Jungkook of BTS performs during the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards | Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Jungkook is BTS’ “Golden Maknae,” appearing on “Dynamite,” “Butter,” and the Map of the Soul: 7 solo song “My Time.” In 2022, this artist tested positive for COVID-19, becoming to last BTS member to do so.

“We would like to provide you with some information on BTS member Jungkook being diagnosed with Covid-19,” a statement from BigHit Music read.

“After arriving in Las Vegas, he felt a slight discomfort in his throat and promptly took a rapid PCR test (COVID-19 molecular PCR test) and a standard PCR test (COVID-19 quantitative PCR test) on the afternoon of Sunday, March 27 (PT),” the message continues. 

BTS’ Jungkook learned that ‘time is quite precious’ while in quarantine

While isolating, Jungkook kept fans updated on his COVID experience. That was primarily thanks to his individual Instagram account, where Jungkook posted stories reassuring fans that he was “continuing to move around.” 

Even after testing negative for COVID and returning to the stage, Jungkook answered fan questions on Instagram. One ARMY asked what Jungkook learned while he was in quarantine.

“During quarantine, well, I’ve quarantined in Korea as well [before] but [I learned that] time is quite precious. I thought that I should cherish and use it well. Let’s live diligently,” Jungkook said, according to one translation on Twitter. Another interpretation of his final phrase is “live life to the fullest.”

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Jungkook isn’t the only BTS member who tested positive for COVID. All seven members of the K-pop group had COVID at one point in 2021 or 2022. A few days before Jungkook started exhibiting symptoms, J-Hope tested positive for COVID-19. 

The timing wasn’t ideal, especially with rehearsals underway for BTS’ Permission to Dance on Stage concerts in Las Vegas and their “Butter” performance at the Grammy Awards. Both J-Hope and Jungkook could perform at the award ceremony, even if practicing was challenging for Jungkook. 

“I definitely still have a slight cough,” Jungkook said, according to a translation on Reddit. “I tested negative but it seems like the residual effects are still lingering so it feels stuffy, almost like it’s harder to have vocal cord contact/adduction.”

“Even during this Grammy’s performance,” he added. “I wasn’t able to rehearse a lot after quarantine, and even though I knew I had to do well live.”

This wouldn’t be BTS’ only hiccup in their Grammy performance. Due to a finger injury, Jin couldn’t perform choreography alongside the other BTS members. The “Butter” performance became a favorite moment of many viewers, even if BTS didn’t win the Grammy Award for that single.

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