SF9's Chani and Hwiyoung shocked their fans when they were booked on the charges of violating social distancing guidelines.

According to reports on January 27, Chani and Hwiyoung were caught at a bar in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam at 1 AM on January 18 KST by police officers, who received a report the bar was operating after the government-mandated closing time. 

In addition, reports stated that the police and the fire department had to force the doors to the bar open as they were locked when they arrived. The two SF9 members and 15 people were caught at the bar, and all were booked for violating social distancing rules.

Following the reports, FNC Entertainment released an official statement confirming that its artists were found violating the quarantine rules and were booked on charges of breaking the social distancing rules.

On January 27, Chani and Hwiyoung posted handwritten apology letters and explained that they were out celebrating Chani's birthday, which was on January 17. Below are the complete translation of the two idols' letters:

Chani wrote:

"Hello, this is Chanhee.

First and foremost, I apologize as I have made all the hard work of those who are going through difficult times turn into vain due to my carelessness.

Hwiyoung, one other acquaintance, and I went to a lounge bar at the end of operating hours at 1 AM to celebrate my birthday. As soon as we arrived we were caught by the inspecting officers.

I am clearly at fault for breaking quarantine rules. 

I sincerely apologize to all the fans who have supported me and trusted in me. I also apologize to my members and the company staff to whom I wasn't able to apologize because I felt so apologetic to cause them to worry. I will self-reflect that this is what happened due to my negligence and think and act carefully so I do not repeat the same mistake again.

I feel so apologetic for writing to you because of negative events when everyone is going through hard times. I will accept any reprimanding about my wrongdoings and I am once again sorry for causing disappointment.

I will put forth more effort so that I do not bring shame to the love that my fans give me.

Once again, I deeply apologize."

Hwiyoung wrote:

"Hello, this is Hwiyoung.

I went to a lounge bar with one other acquaintance at 1 AM at the end of operating hours to celebrate Chani's birthday and we were caught by the inspecting officers as soon as we arrived.

We were unable to reveal this truth to the members and even the company and so we are apologizing so late. I am sorry.

I am ashamed that I was being complacent while everyone is putting forth the effort for everyone's health.

I am truly sorry to everyone who cherishes me and I will self-reflect on my wrongdoings without giving any excuse.

I am sorry to the many fans who support me, my members, and the company staff for disappointing them. 

I will deeply self-reflect as I was not able to set the right example as a public figure.

I will act more responsibly from now on.

Once again, I sincerely apologize."