Jonghyun, Member of K-Pop Group SHINee, Dies at 27
Jonghyun, also known as Kim Jong-hyun, a member of the K-pop group SHINee, has died. He was 27 years old.
According to the Associated Press, Jonghyun was found unconscious in a residence hotel in Seoul and was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
According to local police, the singer’s sister said he sent her text messages such as “Final farewell” and “I’ve had difficulties” before his death.
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While his death is being investigated as a possible suicide, authorities have not yet determined whether he killed himself, according to the AP. Korean news agency Yonhap said police found burned coal briquettes in a frying pan in the room — coal briquettes produce carbon monoxide.
SHINee, comprised of five members, was formed in 2008 by SM Entertainment. Debuting as the main singer of SHINee, Jonghyun also made a career as a solo singer-songwriter. His last public appearance was at his solo concert on Dec. 9-10 in Seoul.
SHINee recorded six albums in Korea and five for the Japanese market. The fifth album was released in Japan last February. The band also appeared in two films “I AM” in 2012 and “SMTown: The Stage” in 2015. The group was scheduled to perform in Tokyo and Osaka in February.
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SM Entertainment issued an official statement following the death of Jonghyun, writing, “Jonghyun was the best artist who loved music more than anyone and always worked hard for his performance. It is devastating to deliver such sad news to the fans who gave him great love.”
Fans were quick to share their condolences on Twitter.
SM Entertainment has confirmed it. We lost the brightest idol tonight. Kim Jonghyun, the bravest human being I've ever known,all my sincere condolences and my prayers goes out to his family,friends, shinee and shawols.may jonghyun rest in peace
rip. a wonderful talented kind man
— ` (@Armys_Crew) December 18, 2017
we lost a star but jonghyun's family lost their precious son,sm lost their music genius,shinee lost a brother,exo and fx lost a bestfriend,red velvet lost a brother,nct lost a mentor we're not the only one suffering so let's give hopes and encouragements to each other:')
— give ksoo,our world's best singer a (@solornbalbum) December 18, 2017
Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. Rest in Peace #SHINee 's Jonghyun.
— JenniePanhan (@JenniePanhan) December 18, 2017
SHINee will never be complete again but they're forever five in my heart! Kim jonghyun will always be SHINee, forever
— ○ (@taemxn_) December 18, 2017
Shinee was my first boy group that made me liked kpop back in 2010. I still can't believe what happend today… rest in peace kim Jonghyun. #RipJonghyun
— DanielIsKing???? (@OMONA98) December 18, 2017
How am I supposed to listen to SHINee's music again? How am I supposed to look at all the pictures on my walls?? My whole life, my entire world is surrounded with you. How am I supposed to live with all of this?? I want to wake up from this horrific dream!
— I LOVE YOU JONGHYUN. WITH ALL MY HEART AND SOUL (@DejaBooGirl_) December 18, 2017
rest in peace angel,, you’ll never be forgotten. please keep shinee, shawols, jonghyun’s friends and family in your thoughts and prayers today.
— deepali (@jhopesgalaxy) December 18, 2017
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