The memorial at SMTOWN Coex Artium in Seoul for Jonghyun of SHINee was closed on Monday, April 30. The space was opened earlier this year as a temporary monument where fans of the K-pop star could gather to mourn and commemorate together after his passing last December.
“Hello,” wrote SM Entertainment in a message shared on SHINee’s official Twitter account, as translated by Soompi. “We sincerely thank all of the fans who visited to cherish the memory of Jonghyun throughout this time. We won’t forget the warm hearts of everyone who took the time despite your weariness to come from far away, as winter turns into spring, to remember the artist Jonghyun that you love.”
The post thanked fans and said that the notes and mementos placed at the memorial by fans have been gathered and saved, and that they will share photos and videos of the memorial space on SHINee’s official social media accounts.
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— SHINee (@SHINee) May 2, 2018
“Although we still cannot believe today’s reality after his too sudden departure, we once again sincerely thank the fans who gathered their strength for Jonghyun.”
Despite its planned closure that was announced upon its opening in January, the reaction from fans to the memorial being brought down has been filled with sorrow and some upset, with many criticizing SM Entertainment for clearing out the space days before the agency opens its new museum. SMTOWN Museum will open at the COEX Artium on May 4.
Jonghyun’s memorial in the last 5 mins it’ll be open. It’s packed to the gills and I’m in the back. Everyone is standing silently. Lots of sniffling. Final goodbye. pic.twitter.com/ks1pUx2PHl
— Malia (@markurheart852) April 30, 2018
jonghyun deserves a permanent memorial he did so much for sm and for everyone else, he deserves so much better i’m so bitter
— z (@hqminho) April 30, 2018
how is sm opening a damn museum but can’t keep a memorial for jonghyun. if it really is about the ‘costs’ then i’m sorry but the memorial is barely a room compared to a museum. it’s NO excuse..jjong honestly deserves more than four months considering he gave over ten years to sm.
— ? (@jjongskookie) April 29, 2018
2018.04.30 Last day of Jonghyun’s memorial space. I feel very blessed to be able to visited your memorial. pic.twitter.com/GZN6kEdV3X
— rakaraka (@rakapearlescent) April 30, 2018
The memorial for Jonghyun was opened on Jan. 27 after Jonghyun passed away on Dec. 18 of last year. The singer-songwriter died by suicide after struggling with depression, as expressed through a letter shared with the public following his death.
SHINee will release a new album later this month to commemorate their 10-year anniversary. The quintet debuted on May 25, 2008 with the song “Replay” and has become one of K-pop’s most influential acts over the past decade.