On Monday, the K-pop world became a bit dimmer with the loss of the vivacious Kim Jonghyun of SHINee. The boy band member was 27-years-old when he passed away due to circumstances being investigated as a suicide.
Jonghyun’s death has shaken the entire K-pop music industry, where he was a stalwart artist having debuted as a member of SHINee in 2008. Along with his role in the quintet, he also pursued a solo career and was a prevalent songwriter, writing for some of Korea’s most popular artists.
Through his lengthy career in the fast-paced industry, Jonghyun made many deep connections, and much of the extended K-pop scene mourned his passing, including his agency SM Entertainment. “Jonghyun is the best artist who loved music, enjoyed the stage and cherished communicating with fans through music,” the company wrote in a post shared on social media Tuesday morning. “We will remember you forever.”
See some of the condolence message below:
— SMTOWN GLOBAL (@SMTOWNGLOBAL) December 19, 2017
Rest in Paradise to Jonghyun. Heart goes out to family, friends, and his fans. Stay up everybody, spread love and compassion ——
— JAY BUM PARK (@JAYBUMAOM) December 18, 2017
..Sending my sincere condolences to SHINee Jonghyun and his family. Rest In Peace.
— G (@GSOULplanet) December 18, 2017
As one of my first Korean influences, my heart aches for this tragedy. From the bottom of my heart, may he rest in peace.
— Day6 Jae (@Jae_Day6) December 18, 2017
Rest in Paradise Jonghyun —
— All Night Aoki (@steveaoki) December 18, 2017
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— Kevin Woo (@Kevinwoo91) December 18, 2017
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?? ?? ? ? ???..— JUN. K (@Jun2daKAY) December 18, 2017
Rest in peace.
— ?????? Buck ???????? (@Khunnie0624) December 18, 2017
Please I can’t believe it still. Rest in peace
— ?????? (@jiminpark07) December 18, 2017