It’s been a very long time since I’ve been on this blog. But I just wanted to come back to talk about what happened, and what SHINee’s Jonghyun has meant to me. (Under a read more just in case you’re not ready yet to read something about him.)
Not everyone would know, but SHINee meant a lot to me. They were the group who got me into kpop, and have always had a special place in my heart. They have always been one of my favourite groups, and their songs have always had a permanent place in my playlists. Jonghyun’s solo songs in particular have made an appearance in every single one. His music meant so much to me, with messages I could relate to, and offering even just a small moment of peace, or happiness, with his music.
In kpop, I’ve always had my particular favourite member of every group, but that wasn’t the case with SHINee. I loved them all equally, but there was always that little bit of extra love for Jonghyun, who’s music I adored, who’s personality I adored, who I looked up to.
Hearing the news of his passing, I was in denial and shock. How could this have happened? How could someone I looked up to so much be gone, just like that?
While I will need some time to process things, to even be able to listen to his music again without feeling pain, I want everyone to cherish his music, as it clearly meant so much to him. Let it be a living memory of him.
Jonghyun, you did well. Rest in paradise.
