On December 18, 2017, Jonghyun was found in cardiac arrest at a residence in Seoul. Despite being rushed to hospital, he tragically passed away. His sudden death shook the Korean entertainment industry and devastated fans around the world.
Born on April 8, 1990, Jonghyun debuted in May 2008 as the lead singer of SHINeeinstantly capturing hearts with his powerful voice. The group became famous with hit songs like Play again, Love like oxygen, Play Ding DongAND Lucifer.
Beyond his vocal prowess, Jonghyun was also a talented songwriter and composer. He wrote lyrics for SHINee Juliet AND Visualizationand has written songs for other prominent artists including IU (Gloomy watch), Son Dambi (Red Candle), ESO (Playboy) and Lee Hi (Breathe). His contributions have solidified his status as a respected artist in the K-pop scene.
From 2014 to 2017, Jonghyun hosted his own radio show, Blue night with Jonghyunwhere he connected deeply with listeners through candid conversations and music. In 2016, he held his first solo concert, followed by another in December 2017, just eight days before his passing.
IU, a close friend of Jonghyun, once paid homage to him by singing Gloomy watch at his concert in Singapore, a song written by Jonghyun himself. Other SM artists such as Taeyeon and Leeteuk, along with SHINee members, have continued to honor his memory every year.
In February 2025, during an episode of tvN’s Take the block quizSHINee Key opened up emotionally about Jonghyun, sharing, “I was really shaken then. I asked myself, ‘What’s the point of life? Should I give it all up?'”
He continued, “We all experienced a very intense emotional breakdown. The Tokyo Dome concert became the moment we chose to cry together. Without such a space, it seemed unbearable. We wanted to adequately express his brief but dazzling youth.”
Key also reflected on Jonghyun’s continued presence in their lives: “Whenever it’s his birthday or memorial day, I miss him so much. When we record new songs, I often think, ‘Jonghyun would have done this so well.’ He appears in my dreams, giving no signals, but just sitting there during meetings. It seems like he is always with us. There are always five of us.”
In the month of April, Minho also posted a heartfelt tribute on what would have been Jonghyun’s 36th birthday: “Happy birthday. I always miss you,” next to a photo of the two together.
Jonghyun’s legacy continues through his family’s nonprofit foundation Brilliantfounded in 2018. The organization supports music creators with grants, promoting creativity and emotional healing through music.
His sister, who runs the foundation, has also publicly shared her journey of grief and healing. In a heartfelt message, he encouraged others to speak out and seek community: “Let’s not get trapped in that moment. Let’s get out together and get through it.”
Eight years may have passed, but Jonghyun’s light continues to shine: in his music, in the hearts of his fans, and in the memories held by his loved ones.
