The world of K-pop was shaken with grief and shock when popular singer Kim Jong-hyun, known mononymously as Jonghyun, was found dead in an apparent suicide in December 2017. Jonghyun was the lead singer of the hugely successful South Korean boy group SHINee and also had an acclaimed solo career.
Jonghyun died in December 2017 at the age of 27.
This article will explore Korean singer-songwriter Jonghyun death age, life, his music career, the circumstances surrounding his tragic death, and the legacy he left behind in the K-pop world.
Key Takeaways
- Jonghyun died in December 2017, a tragedy that rocked the K-pop world
- Jonghyun death age was 27.
- He was the lead singer of the hugely popular K-pop boy band SHINee
- In addition to his work with SHINee, he had a successful solo career as a singer-songwriter
- His death was ruled a suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning
- He left behind a suicide note describing his depression and pressures from fame
- Jonghyun made a significant impact on Korean pop with his vocals, songwriting skill, and genre innovation
- His death sparked conversations about mental health and pressures in the K-pop industry
- Though his life was short, his musical legacy lives on through his recordings and influenc
Who Was Jonghyun?
Jonghyun was born Kim Jong-hyun in April 1990 in Seoul, South Korea. As a child, he loved to sing and performed in a band called ZION with his church choir. In 2005, when Jonghyun was only 15 years old, he was discovered at a local festival by SM Entertainment and quickly signed on as a trainee.
After less than two years of training, Jonghyun debuted in May 2008 as the lead singer of the five-member boy band SHINee under SM Entertainment. SHINee’s first EP sold over 17,000 copies, launching the group into almost instant fame.
Jonghyun’s K-Pop Career
Jonghyun was the lead vocalist of SHINee and played a huge role in shaping the group’s sound. He sang, danced, and rapped as part of the group’s energetic performances. SHINee became one of the most popular K-pop boy bands, both in Korea and internationally.
In addition to his work with SHINee, Jonghyun pursued a successful solo career, collaborating with well-known Korean artists like Lee Hi and Taeyeon. He released his first EP in 2015. Jonghyun wrote many of his own songs and composed music as well, showing off his talents as a singer-songwriter. His first compilation album, titled Story Op.2, sold over 60,000 copies.
Jonghyun was also active in radio hosting and TV variety shows, proving to be an engaging and charismatic host with a quick wit and charm. His fans, known as Shawols, adored him for his powerful vocals, songwriting talents, and friendly personality.
Jonghyun Death Age & Circumstances Surrounding the December 2017 Suicide
In December 2017, at the height of his fame and musical success, Jonghyun’s life was tragically cut short. On December 18, 2017, 27 years old Jonghyun rented an apartment in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam. He was found unconscious in the apartment after sending his sister disturbing text messages implying he intended to take his own life.
Jonghyun was immediately rushed to Konkuk University Hospital but could not be revived. He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. Police found coal briquettes burnt on a frying pan in the apartment, suggesting Jonghyun died by suicide through carbon monoxide poisoning.
Jonghyun left behind a heartbreaking suicide note in which he described his struggles with depression and his perceived failings as a celebrity. His family, fans, and friends were shocked and devastated by the news, as he had kept his inner turmoil carefully hidden. The K-pop world mourned the loss of one of their brightest stars.
A Silent Storm Inside: Decoding Jonghyun’s Tragic Final Words
Jonghyun left behind a suicide note that provided heartbreaking insights into his inner turmoil. In the note, he apologized for “letting people down” and said that depression had “slowly eaten away at me.”
He discussed the contradictions between his outward celebrity personality and inner loneliness, writing “the life of fame was not for me.” Jonghyun poignantly said that he was “broken from the inside” and that
“the depression that gnawed on me slowly has finally engulfed me entirely.”
His last words paint a tragic picture of a sensitive soul struggling with the darker sides of fame and mental illness. The note sparked intense discussions about the need to care for K-pop stars’ mental well-being. Jonghyun’s final message will be remembered as a last cry for help that went unanswered until it was too late.
Jonghyun’s Musical Legacy
Despite his short career, cut tragically short, the k-pop star left behind an incredible musical legacy, especially for a K-pop star Jonghyun death age at 27. As a member of SHINee, he helped forge the upbeat and intricately-choreographed style that became a trademark of the genre.
As a solo artist, Jonghyun was praised for his stellar vocals, emotive songwriting, and experimentation with different genres from electronic to rock. He sang about mental health issues with empathy and vulnerability that connected with many fans.
| Year | Achievements | |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Debuts with SHINee at age 18 | |
| 2009 | SHINee wins New Artist of the Year award | |
| 2013 | First solo concert “The Story by Jonghyun” | |
| 2015 | Releases debut EP “Base” | |
| 2015 | Wins Best Solo Artist at year-end awards shows | |
| 2016 | Releases first full studio album “She Is” | |
| 2017 | Drops hit single “Lonely” | |
| 2018 | Posthumous album “Poet |
After his passing, his final album Poet | Artist was released posthumously in January 2018. It received critical acclaim and showcased again his broad artistic range. The raw emotion in the lyrics and vocals reflected his inner struggles in haunting ways.
Mental Health Awareness in the Wake of Jonghyun’s Death
Jonghyun’s death sparked many conversations in Korea about mental health issues and the extreme pressure placed on K-pop idols. His sincerity and genius as a performer inspired many artists that followed after him. He is deeply missed by fans, but his music lives on.
The tragedy of Jonghyun’s suicide sparked an overdue conversation about mental health in the high-pressure K-pop industry. His death shed light on the grueling standards and packed schedules that idols face. Many idols struggle silently with depression and anxiety, as Jonghyun did.
Fans also became more vocal about the need for idols to get proper rest and treatment for mental health issues without facing backlash. While the industry still has far to go, Jonghyun’s death was a wake-up call that began a dialogue about reducing the stresses placed on K-pop idols that can compromise their mental health. His legacy lives on through increased awareness and changing attitudes.
FAQs
When did Jonghyun die?
Jonghyun died on December 18, 2017 at the age of 27.
How did Jonghyun die?
Jonghyun died by suicide through carbon monoxide poisoning in his apartment.
Why did Jonghyun take his own life?
In his suicide note, he cited depression and struggles coping with fame as reasons.
What band was Jonghyun a part of?
Jonghyun was the lead singer of the popular K-pop boy band SHINee.
What mental health impact did Jonghyun’s death have?
It sparked conversations about high pressure in the industry and the need for mental health support.
Conclusion
That’s all about Jonghyun death age. His tragic death at just 27 years old sent shockwaves through the K-pop world. His incredible talents as a singer, songwriter, and performer were only starting to be realized. However, his open struggles with depression and pressures of stardom also sparked important ongoing conversations about mental health in the high-pressure K-pop industry.
While Jonghyun is deeply missed by all who knew him, his fans continue to find inspiration in his music and humanity. His legacy of vulnerable artistry and impact on K-pop lives on.
