K-pop star's insensitive April Fool's virus 'joke' on Covid leaves netizens enraged

K-pop star Jaejoong has been facing a barrage of criticism from fans after saying he had been hospitalised with COVID-19 as an April fool's joke.

"I've been living carelessly, ignoring all warnings by the government and people around me," said Jaejoong, whose real name is Kim Jae-joong, in an emotional Instagram post on Wednesday.

A few hours later, the 34-year-old amended the post, clarifying that the infection was an April fool's joke to raise awareness about the new coronavirus.

He has since deleted it and apologised.

Fans have left angry comments on his official Instagram account, berating the star for joking about the virus.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

Jaejoong has previously surprised fans with April fool's jokes including pretending to faint during a concert and announcing marriage plans.