Heartbroken K-Pop Stars and Fans Unite in Memory of SHINee’s Jonghyun

Family, friends, labelmates, fellow K-pop idols and fans continue to mourn SHINee’s Jonghyun, whose unfortunate passing

Kim Jong-hyun, main vocalist of the quintet, died by attempted suicide on Dec. 18, authorities confirmed.

He was found unconscious in his apartment in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul, around 6 p.m., and was rushed to the Konkuk University Hospital but did not survive after attempting resuscitation.

His death places him in the so-called “27 Club,” a group of ill-fated musicians who passed at the age of 27. Notable “members” include Brian Jones, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison (The Doors), Kurt Cobain (Nirvana) and Amy Winehouse, according to AFP.

In a statement, Kim’s label, SM Entertainment, said that it is “in deep shock and sorrow” and offered condolences to his family.

He is survived by members Key, Minho, Onew and Taemin, who were tasked to officiate his funeral services as sang joo, literally “chief mourners,” according to Soompi. This role is traditionally taken on by the closest family members.

Key immediately returned from Portugal, where he was doing a photoshoot, when the news erupted.

Kim’s remains currently lie at Asan Medical Center in eastern Seoul. Lee Soo-man, founder of SM Entertainment, was among his first visitors.

Labelmates BOA, Girls Generation, EXO and NCT were present. BTS also paid a visit.

SM also set up a separate memorial for fans, who have been braving the bitter cold to pay tribute. On Dec. 20, they can visit from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Kim’s funeral, which will be held in private, is scheduled on Dec. 21. The date of his burial is yet to be decided, according to Allkpop.

In the wake of Kim’s death, Minho cancelled his fan meeting on Dec. 23 at the Lotte World Tower in Seoul. He was scheduled to sign autographs and take photos with 100 fans, according to Allkpop.

EXO postponed the release of their winter album “Universe” to Dec. 26, which was originally set on Dec. 21, Yonhap News noted.

Girls Generation’s Taeyeon also cancelled a scheduled fan meeting. Her upcoming Christmas concert, set on Dec. 22, is also expected to be cancelled.

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