BLACKPINK member Rose tests COVID-19 positive; partially cancels overseas tour

Pop artiste Rose, part of the popular K-pop group BLACKPINK, has tested positive for COVID-19, the label handling the group informed in a statement on Monday morning. The statement added that the group's other three members- Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa- have all tested negative. Lisa had a positive COVID-19 test in November of last year. This week, Rose was scheduled to travel to Europe for her tour.

The statement, “This is YG Entertainment. BLACKPINK’s Rosé took a PCR test before her [overseas] departure on February 28, and the results came back positive, leading to a cancellation of a part of her overseas activities,” the statement began.

“The other three members (Jisoo, Jennie, and Lisa) tested negative, and no one, including Rosé who was diagnosed with COVID-19, is exhibiting any particular symptoms,” the statement continued. “All four members of BLACKPINK have completed their COVID-19 vaccination, and we will prioritize the health of our artists and staff members and spare no effort [for their well-being.”

The statement then went on to urge fans to pray for Rose's recovery. "We would appreciate it if you could wish for Rose's speedy recovery and support BLACKPINK members' international promotions. We will notify you if there are any changes," it concluded.

BLACKPINK was formed in 2016, debuting with their single album Square One in the same year. Their 2020 studio album, titled The Album (2020), is the first Korean female group's album to sell more than a million copies.