TVXQ member U-Know Yunho posted a long apology Wednesday, a day after it was reported that he is being investigated by police for staying at a restaurant after 10 p.m. with three other friends, violating the government’s social distancing regulations amid the coronavirus pandemic. Under current Covid-19 regulations in Seoul, restaurants are only allowed to open until 10 p.m.

“I’m so sorry for disappointing all those who have been supporting me, and to those medical staff who work hard to tackle the virus,” he wrote. “I am very ashamed of myself for being lost in the conversation with my friends and not realizing that we stayed past the hours restricted by regulation. I regret my unthoughtful action and feel very sorry.”

Shortly after media reports revealed the rule-breaking on Tuesday evening, SM Entertainment also issued an apology, stating that it “sincerely apologize for causing concern in this situation where many people are having a hard time due to the coronavirus.”

“Yunho is deeply reflecting on himself for causing disappointment to many people due to a moment of carelessness,” it added. “We are also apologetic for not thoroughly managing and guiding our artist to follow social distancing guidelines in his personal time as well.”

BY YIM SEUNG-HYE [yim.seunghye@joongang.co.kr]