After the devastating news had spread, celebrities and fans came out in waves in response to SHINee’s Kim Jonghyun‘s sudden passing. Many took to Twitter and social media to give their condolences and share their disbelief of the situation. Here are some of their initial responses:
2PM’s Jun.K wrote “My heart aches so bad. There must’ve been so many concerns and pain behind the brightness. Hope he rests in peace..”
Related article: BREAKING: SHINee’s Jonghyun Allegedly Committed Suicide
2PM’s Junho wrote “I can’t believe this. I don’t want to believe this..”
FT Island’s Jonghun took to Instagram and captioned “You’ve worked hard. You really worked your hardest. Goodbye.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc2JHKNFndN/
SM Entertainment uploaded a photo on SHINee‘s official Instagram account to address Jonghyun’s passing. In the picture they wrote, “Jonghyun is the best artist who loved music more than anyone else, enjoyed the stage, and liked communicated with fans through music. We will remember you forever.”
More artists send their condolences and at the same time reflect on the entertainment industry as well as the fleeting nature of life.
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Ex-UKISS member, Alexander took to Twitter and wrote,
My heart is so heavy.. I personally don’t know him but being the same 2008’s, my heart is truly broken.. I remember him as a talented guy who was strong n aggressive on TV shows… the main voice of Shinee.. I don’t understand… May God bless his family n fans with peace.. #RIP
— ALEXANDER 알렉산더♔ (@alexander_0729) December 18, 2017
I honestly ain’t taking this news too well.. Affecting me a lot.. I think it’s about time we realize n learn something… Pay attention to the one’s around u… and damn u showbiz… Sigh, I think I need to pray…
— ALEXANDER 알렉산더♔ (@alexander_0729) December 18, 2017
2AM’s Jo Kwon wrote, “My heart hurts so much…so so much. He received so much love but his void nor his loneliness was filled. It must have been so lonely, you worked hard, and I’m sorry.”
마음이 너무 아프다 정말 너무 아프다 ..
그 많은 사랑을 받았어도 채워지지 않은 외로움과
공허함이 얼마나 쓸쓸했을까, 고생했어,그리고 미안해— JO KWON (@2AMkwon) December 18, 2017
FT Island’s Lee Hongki, who debuted around the same time as Jonghyun and are good friends with each other wrote a heart felt message on Instagram. His caption read, “I’m so sad that my hands are shaking. We debuted around the same time, so we became so close. I’m not sure what made you suffer so much. But I hope you only experience happiness there, Jonghyun.”
A trainee, Han Seo Hee, who was close with Jonghyun Instagrammed a photo of the both of them and a long message that made fans very concerned.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc2C3cxnl0S/
Her caption reads “I met you when I was 19-years-old, so it’s been nearly 5 years now. When I called you after practice and complained about how hard it was, you always listened and I could meet up with you to have drinks when I’m bored, and oppa, I was able to open up to you.
I don’t know why but I depended on you a lot. I liked you a lot and I told you all the time that you are a good person. You were always someone amazing and someone who I could learn a lot from. I used to see you often when I was down or bored but for some reason, I was hesitant to reach out to you after going through controversies lately. Honestly, I was a bit embarrassed too… lol But I should’ve reached out to you. I should’ve just done it and beg you to meet me. I’m about to go crazy now in regret. I didn’t even know you were going through a hard time, oppa. I still can’t believe it at this moment while I’m here writing this. I just want you to say this is all a lie and come back. This can’t be real. You would always stop me whenever I said I wanted to die. But why would you die oppa? I really can’t understand. No, I’m starting to get mad. How can you be like this? I want to turn back time one day. If I can turn back time, I would do all I could to stop you. But I know that’s impossible. That’s why I feel like going crazy with regret and sadness. I’ve always complained about things to you. I never knew you were struggling. This situation is terrible.. Oppa, I miss you. I’ll come see you soon, quietly. I’ll be there to greet you without giving you any harm in a quiet manner. I’ll be there to say hi. Oppa, it must be cold.. Wait for me, oppa.”
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Steve Aoki and Jay Park wrote,
Rest in Paradise Jonghyun 😔
— Steve Aoki (@steveaoki) December 18, 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
Singer, Junggigo wrote some poignant thoughts about Jonghyun and life in general that seemed to hit home.
His caption reads, “I thought suddenly crossed my mind about how people live in lies. I still remember clearly the sparkle in his eyes while we talked about which parts of songs we liked and why we loved an artist or a song. That’s why I feel more empty. We need to be there for those who lost Jonghyun tonight. As a fan and someone who loved music together, I pray he’ll rest in peace.”
Probably the most troubling social media post on Jonghyun’s death is from the musical group, Dear Cloud whose member, Nine9 was very close to Jonghyun. They appeared to be communicating the last few days before Jonghyun decided to take his life. He had requested that she shares his parting words to the public, when he was no longer around. The letter contained very dark, triggering topics that shed light on Jonghyun’s personal struggle with depression.
His suicide note starts with “I am damaged from the inside. The depression that has been slowly eating away at me has completely swallowed me, and I couldn’t win over it.” and ends with the heart breaking note of, “Even if you can’t smile as you let me go, please don’t blame me. I worked hard. I really did work hard. Good bye.” You can find the full translation here, but be warned that they contain senstitive content.
Jonghyun’s family has decided not to go through with an autopsy and a wake is currently being held as we speak for the 27-year-old performer. A number of Korean stars came to pay their respects, including BTS, Kim Yoona, Yuri, Hyo Yeon, BoA as well as EXO. Watch the stars attending his wake below:
