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Singer Jaejoong Kim has confessed he lied about COVID-19 diagnosis in a sick April Fool's joke.

The South Korean songwriter, 34, put out he was "infected with the Corona 19 virus" and "in hospital in Japan".

But he has since clarified it was an "April Fool's joke" and he admitted "I'll be punished sweetly" in an Instagram post on Wednesday April 1.

His joke initially sparked confusion among his fans when he shared a jarring statement on Instagram.

Fans flooded the comments section pleading with the singer and begging he was playing an April Fool's prank.

Others appeared to be riled up at the suggestion Jaejoong could have joked about coronavirus in the wake of the pandemic sweeping the globe.

"Please take care of you....and I hope that is just an April fool's prank......please take care of you and your health." One fan wrote, leading the troops.

(Image: Twitter)

Others added: "Are you serious Beib tell me plz."

"What!?!? Is this real? Seriously, don’t do April fool’s day on this issue. We worry about you."

"Baby, if this is an April fool's joke to top the one you did in 2017 in Taiwan, this is not funny. I am praying that this is really just an April fool's joke."

(Image: Visual China Group via Getty Images)

"Man this is not funny even if it’s just a joke for april."

NewsNaver reported the singer had been struck down with coronavirus in Japan.

Fans rushed to Jaejoong's Instagram for answers.

At first it wasn't clear to his admirers whether the singer had contracted coronavirus or whether he was playing a sick April Fool's joke.

The singer has admitted he was lying.

(Image: Imazins via Getty Images)

In the English translation of his Korean statement, it read in full: "Loved ones around Someone who is precious is infected with a virus? It's so heartbreaking. Nevertheless, I don't know ...

"I'm not I am so worried that my family acquaintances will be hurt by too many people who walk and live on the streets without defense.

"The illusion that I and myself will be safe It can hurt everything around me and around. Currently, my close acquaintances and related people are also increasing the number of people infected with viruses.

"It is not a story from far away. When a sad feeling due to carelessness becomes reality At that time, I think it is not the end to wash away the tears. Awareness at present ..

"Let's engrave in mind and engrave. April Fool's Day joke In a short time, many people were worried. never!!! It is not something else.

"I wanted to tell you that keeping me is protecting my precious people. I will sweetly punish all penalties for this article. I hope everyone is healthy."