BoA soothed the souls of fans and artists left behind by the late Jonghyun in a touching cover of her song, “End of a day.”
During the two-day SMTOWN Live 2025 concert in Seoul, held from January 11 to 12, SM artists set up a cover remake stage, where seniors and juniors remade each other’s hits.
Among the performances, the highlight came when BoA, known by her nickname “Mother of K-pop,” served a touching version of “End of a day,” one of SHINee members’ masterpieces.
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After his death in 2017, the song became a source of comfort not only for Shawols (SHINee fandom) but also for his idol friends who wanted to remember and honor his vibrant and warm heart.
In fancams released after the concert, BoA’s beautiful rendition of the song brought viewers to tears, proving that she conveyed the message well. The icon himself couldn’t stop himself from shedding tears as he sang one of the songs created by one of his closest and junior friends.
Shawols became emotional when the stage placed the spotlight in front of BoA, rather than directly on her, seemingly as a reminder that the late singer will always be with them despite the empty space he left.
Initially, Jonghyun’s fans were skeptical about the decision to release a remake of any of his songs, and even called out SM for it despite not restoring his albums and releasing his concert films.
There was an empty seat for Jonghyun in front of Boa.
The highlight wasn’t Boa, but the empty space in front was full of light.
Even if I’m not here, I’m with you🥲 pic.twitter.com/pu8A8zAfQV— 📞🍸Molly🕯 (@taemnimoly) January 11, 2025
But with BoA’s performance, Shawols was grateful to do the song justice and feel the heartfelt emotions she poured into it.
“I had to take my time because it was so touching. Singing a song by your late friend takes a lot and BoA did it gracefully, respectfully, beautifully and without a circus,” one fan wrote on X, adding, “Just an angel singing to an angel. I hope he liked where he is resting.”
I had to take my time because it was so touching. Singing a song from your late friend takes a lot and BoA did it gracefully, respectfully, beautifully and without circus.
Just an angel singing for an angel. I hope he liked where he is resting. 🕊️ https://t.co/7xRcNw935S
— Elizabeth (@LizzieBennet22) January 12, 2025
“Jonghyun were you watching? I really can’t stop crying,” another Shawol added.
A knetz said that during BoA’s cover of End of A Day, the control panel turned off all the lightsticks but failed to turn off the bright lightsticks, so all you can see outside BoA’s stage is the color light pearl water of shawls. Jonghyun were you watching? I really can’t stop crying. pic.twitter.com/fD1ePrXhL5
— and ✦ (@ggonisaur) January 11, 2025
I want many people to know that JONGHYUN wrote this song not to be sung, but for the singer to tell us that they understand how it feels to have hard days, that we can always be with each other at home at the end of a day.
And Boa told us with all his heart tonight ㅠㅠ https://t.co/w9YUVwVHET pic.twitter.com/HvNHhkcNsz
— One of S♡NE is a Girls’ Generation fan! (@thsutleovos) January 12, 2025
She’s crying 😭😭😭😭 BoA’s last performance today was a reprise of Jonghyun’s song End of a Day. thank you BoA my love for the beautiful singing performance.. you sang this song sincerely ❤️ I’m happy this happened.. .
.#Buoy #buoy #SMTOWN30th pic.twitter.com/6xLpFZNPRf— Love Dies with Kwon BoA ♡∞ (@you_nev3r_kn0w) January 12, 2025
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