BTS tell fans to avoid their shows over coronavirus fears: ‘It is very risky outside these days’

Band will play televised events without studio audience after seven die from disease in South Korea

BTS has told fans to avoid their upcoming shows, in an attempt to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The K-pop band are scheduled to film several TV shows in the South Korean city Seoul this week to promote their latest album, Map Of The Soul: 7.

On Monday (24 February), BTS streamed a press conference with no studio audience present.

"Health is always on our minds these days, and our messages of facing your inner self and loving yourself are ultimately only possible when you're healthy," singer Jimin told the camera.

"Especially since it is very risky outside these days. I hope you take care of yourself.”

In an email ahead of the event, the band’s management had explained: "We have decided to fully co-operate with the government's policy to refrain from holding events with a massive number of participants in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

"We would like to advise fans to refrain from visiting the venue of the press conference for your own safety, and ask you to support BTS by watching the press conference via livestreaming."

A total of seven people have died from coronavirus in South Korea at the time of writing.

There are more than 760 confirmed cases in the country and over 7,000 troops have been quarantined after members of the military were diagnosed with the disease.

BTS are still due appear on the K-pop chart show MCountdown later this month without an audience, as well as Inkigayo, a Top of the Pops-style weekly programme.

Coronavirus has led to the cancellation of many events, with the Korean Music Awards scrapped and Stormzy having postponed dates in Asia.

The Chinese premiere of No Time To Die has also been cancelled.