Gone but not forgotten
Fans remember SHINee’s Jonghyun at memorial event.
NO sounds of sobbing or wailing were heard at a memorial event for SHINee’s Jonghyun on Dec 17, but the singer’s death is still keenly felt by his fans.
Last Monday evening, the event to commemorate the late lead vocalist of SHINee, who died a year ago, was held at a theatre in SM Town Coex Artium in Gangnam, South Korea.
It took the form of an art fair that showcased clips and writing dedicated to Jonghyun. The event also included a memorial service.
Organised by Shiny, a non-profit organisation founded by the late singer’s family in September to support young artistes, the event was exclusively for those who received tickets distributed in advance through a draw.
Under the theme of “Stories you left us, stories we will fill,” the memorial event lasted for two-and-a-half hours starting from 7.30pm.
It kicked off with a memorial worship service and went on to showcase heartfelt clips and letters by fans dedicated to Jonghyun.
Before the event started, fans were also able to get a glimpse of the late artiste’s keepsakes, such as his kazoo and goods he used at his solo concerts, as well as his solo albums, which were exhibited at the theatre.
The overall atmosphere was calm and peaceful, though there were fans who silently cried upon watching videos of Jonghyun played on a wall in the theatre. Many fans were spotted smiling and sharing their memories of the artiste.
It was a stark contrast to Jonghyun’s funeral service held at the Asan Medical Center in December last year.
However, that does not mean the pain felt by the singer’s fans has lessened.
“It’s definitely still difficult to think about him, although a year has passed since his death. I couldn’t listen to his songs for a while,” Sarah from Canada said.
“I still remember the day of his death. I was working at an office, and I literally screamed at the news. I couldn’t leave the office until 1am for being shocked.”
Sarah began to overcome the pain after listening to Jonghyun’s posthumous album and songs released by SHINee after his death.
Jonghyun, whose real name was Kim Jong-hyun, was found in a rented studio apartment in Cheongdamdong, southern Seoul, on Dec 18, 2017.
The 27-year-old singer had suffered a cardiac arrest upon discovery and was taken to a nearby hospital, but he was pronounced dead after attempts to revive him failed.
Having debuted in 2008 as the main vocalist of SHINee, Jonghyun was known for his singing, dancing and songwriting skills.
His solo career was also a success, and he was nominated for the Best Male Artiste award at the 2016 Mnet Asian Music Awards.
His posthumous album Poet | Artist, which was completed last year, was released in January. – The Korea Herald/Asia News Network