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Singer Kim Jae-jung wrote on his social media that he had Corona 19, but later revealed that it was an April Fool's joke. Criticism has emerged that everyone was acting inappropriately in difficult times.

Reporter Kim Hyeong-rae.

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Singer Kim Jae-jung of JYJ, a group, posted a post on SNS this afternoon saying he was hospitalized with the Corona 19 virus.
He said that it happened because of his carelessness and that he is sorry for those who are infected because of him.

However, after about 50 minutes, he posted again and said that it was a April Fool's joke.

Mr. Kim apologized for taking all punishments sweetly, saying it was to bring awareness to the people.

However, in the context of continuing social damage, criticism was continued that these April Fools jokes were excessive and inappropriate.

A petition to punish Mr. Kim also appeared on the bulletin board of the national petition at the Blue House, and more than 5,000 people have agreed.

[Kim Kang-lip / Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare: (Today) is April Fool's Day. This is a very serious time. Let me repeat that it is not a social atmosphere that can accommodate prank calls or misinformation.]

The agency said it knew Kim was currently in Japan and that he was aware of the situation.

Taiwan, Thailand, and India have officially banned April Fool's Day jokes about Corona19, saying that they can face even up to imprisonment.

In addition, Google, which introduced jokes every April Fool's Day, also announced to employees that they will not joke April Fool's Day this year in honor of everyone who faces Corona 19.

(Video coverage: Han Il-sang, Video editing: Lee Seung-jin)