It has already been eight years since Jonghyun, a permanent member of the group SHINee and a singer-songwriter, left us.
Dec. 18, 2025, is the eighth anniversary of the late Jonghyun's death. The deceased ended his short life on Dec. 18, 2017, at the age of 27, plunging fans around the world into grief. Eight years have passed, but the music and warmth he left behind still remain deeply in the hearts of many.
Jonghyun, who debuted in 2008 as a member of SHINee, produced numerous hit songs such as Noona You're So Pretty, You're Like Oxygen, Ring Ding Dong, Lucifer, and Sherlock, establishing himself as a leading K-pop vocalist.
Jonghyun's true value shone even more in his solo activities and songwriting·composing abilities. Beginning with his first solo album BASE in 2015, through collections of pieces, She Likes You, and his posthumous work Poet | Artist, he solidified his own musical color. He was also an outstanding producer who inspired other artists by writing and composing songs such as IU's Sadness Clock and Lee Hi's Breathe.
Although many were plunged into grief by Jonghyun's death, his bereaved family moved to practice greater love beyond sorrow. Jonghyun's mother, director Lee Eun-kyung, established the nonprofit public corporation Shiny in 2018. Shiny continues the late artist's intentions by supporting young artists engaged in cultural and artistic activities based on the royalties Jonghyun left behind, and by providing psychological counseling and healing programs. The foundation continues Jonghyun's warm wish to embrace the hardships of young artists hidden behind their glamorous stage appearances. The annual Shiny Arts Festival has become a place to commemorate the late artist and encourage aspiring artists' dreams.
On the eighth anniversary, waves of mourning from fans around the world continued across online spaces including social media. SHINee's official social account posted a photo of Jonghyun with the caption "I will always love you." The post drew memorial comments such as "I love you," "Already eight years? We always miss you, love you," and "the most shining presence in my heart."
Even under dazzling spotlights, Jonghyun always offered sincere music and stories. Though he is gone, the consoling songs he left the world continue to resonate even eight years later.
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