One of SHINee’s keys to success was Jonghyun’s contribution as a songwriter. He wrote some of the most popular songs for SHINee and other singers such as IU, Lee Hi, and many more. He also wrote books and wrote songs in his solo albums. Despite the popularity, Jonghyun suffered from chronic depression. At the peak of his popularity, he ended his life tragically. The pressure of fame and the lonely world of idols had taken a toll on his life. Let’s meet one of Korea’s most talented idols, Jonghyun.
SHINee’s Jonghyun Full Profile
Name : Kim Jong-hyun Stage name : Jonghyun Birthday : April 8th, 1990 Place of Birth : Seoul City, South Korea Education : Myongji University (Ph.D. Candidate, majoring Movie and Musical) Height : 173 cm Weight : 61 kg Zodiac : Aries Blood Type : AB Position : Main Vocal Religion : – Instagram : @jonghyun.948 Twitter : @realjonghyun90
SHINee’s Jonghyun Facts
Jonghyun got his master’s degree from Myongji University. Jonghyun graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Chungwoon University. Jonghyun can play various musical instruments such as guitar, piano, and bass. He used to play bass in his middle school band. He has the shortest height but the best body shape among SHINee members. He woke up the earliest compared to other members. He loved to flirt with Key. Jonghyun has a sentimental personality. Jonghyun preferred winter to summer. Jonghyun’s hobbies were playing piano, writing lyrics, dancing to music, and watching movies. Jonghyun formed close friendships with SM Entertainment female artists such as SNSD’s Taeyeon, f(x)‘s Amber, and Red Velvet’s Yeri. He wrote many lyrics for SHINee, and he also wrote lyrics for IU, Lee Hi, and Son Dambi. Jonghyun used to host the radio show Jonghyun’s Blue Night.
SHINee’s Jonghyun’s Pre Debut
Jonghyun was born in Seoul in 1990. Jonghyun was only 15 years old when he joined SM Entertainment as a trainee after passing the audition in 2005. At the time, he auditioned as a vocalist of a music band. He gained praise for having a thick and strong voice and wide vocal range but lacked dancing experience.
SHINee’s Jonghyun’s Official Debut
After three years of training, Jonghyun debuted with SHINee alongside three other members. On May 25th, 2008, they debuted on SBS’ music program Inkigayo with the debut single Replay. Having the support of SM Entertainment and the previous success of a more senior group, Super Junior, SHINee gained instant stardom. The group further cemented its status as K-pop princes with series of successful albums. Jonghyun led SHINee to various awards and global popularity. He contributed to SHINee by writing the lyrics for various singles. He is one of the most creative and productive lyrics writers and held copyright from many singles Jonghyun started his solo activity in 2015 and released his first EP, Base. Although most idols ventured to act after gaining popularity, Jonghyun chose to focus on hosting radio programs, making songs, writing books, and poetry.
SHINee’s Jonghyun’s Appearance in Knowing Bros
Jonghyun introduced Jonghyun’s game when appearing as a guest in Knowing Bros episode 29. He invented the game, and SHINee members loved to play the game. The rule is simple. One person says a syllable, and the other person should guess the words or the sentences that follow the syllable. Jonghyun’s game is one of the favorite games in Knowing Bros.
SHINee appeared many times in jTBC’s Knowing Bros. In episode 50, the entire members of SHINee came out to promote their latest album. Compared to other members, Jonghyun didn’t have any interest in appearing or acting in dramas. Heechul made fun of him and said that instead of acting, Jonghyun always played word games.
SHINee’s Jonghyun’s Cause of Death
Despite the popularity and stardom, few people knew about Jonghyun’s depression. He was found dead on December 18, 2017, in an apartment. Her older sister and police found him unconscious after inhaling toxic fumes from coal briquettes. Police found the residue of burning briquette in a frying pan that is located close to him. Police assumed that the substance had caused Jonghyun’s death. Earlier that day, Jonghyun’s older sister received a text message from Jonghyun and found something strange from his message. He had been acting strange, and her sister tried to call him. His sister and the police found him unconscious and immediately rushed him to the hospital but failed to save him. Several days after Jonghyun’s passing, one of his friends posted a note from Jonghyun. After consulting with family, she posted the note. The note revealed Jonghyun’s chronic depression and that he couldn’t overcome it.
SHINee’s Jonghyun’s Funeral
On December 21st, 2017, SHINee members and K-Pop stars carried Jonghyun’s coffin to the funeral. SHINee’s Minho led the procession, and Jonghyun’s sister followed at the side. She carried a huge picture of Jonghyun. Thousands of fans gathered in front of the medical center when the coffin was taken out.
SHINee’s Jonghyun’s Album, Poet Artist
Jonghyun’s suicide sent shocking truth about the dark secret behind K-pop life. Behind the glamour and popularity, the idol and the artist are just lonely and fragile figures. Jonghyun’s second and last album, Poet/Artist, was released on January 23rd, 2018, as a posthumous album. The layout and design for the album were kept minimal and simple. Inside the album, Jonghyun showed his trademark falsetto voice and melancholic lyrics. The singles in the album were written in collaboration with other professional songwriters and were produced in a mixture of R’n’B and pop. Due to his global popularity, the album is also supplied with English subtitles. Jonghyun is one of the most versatile K-pop idols and musicians. His songs and his works will be forever embedded and loved by K-pop fans. Let’s support K-pop idols and stop posting malicious comments to them. Don’t forget to share Jonghyun’s story with your Twitter account and spread his works.
