Jonghyun

Jonghyun was born in Seoul. During middle school he became involved in a school band.{{Cite news|script-title=ko:5인조 틴에이저그룹 '샤이니', 실력&풋풋함..."누나들이 예뻐해요"|trans-title=The five-member teenage group 'SHINee', Skill & Freshness..."My sisters are beautiful"|url=http://news.donga.com/3/all/20080529/8583787/1|work=The Dong-A Ilbo|date=May 29, 2008|access-date=|archive-date=July 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160726214055/http://news.donga.com/3/all/20080529/8583787/1|url-status=live}} He studied at Seoul Practical Music High School,{{Cite news|script-title=ko:샤이니 종현, 성실하고 겸손..모든 선생님이 좋아했다|trans-title=SHINee Jonghyun, sincere and humble. All the teachers liked him.|url=https://www.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2017/01/12/2017011202226.html|work=The Chosun Ilbo|language=ko|date=January 12, 2017|access-date=October 2, 2023|archive-date=March 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315175057/https://www.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2017/01/12/2017011202226.html|url-status=live}} but dropped out in 10th grade to pursue a music career. He later attended Chungwoon University before transferring to Myongji University, where he received a master's degree in film and musical studies.{{cite news|script-title=ko:"우울증 힘들다" '샤이니' 종현 사망|trans-title="Depression is hard" Shinee's Jonghyun dies|url=http://news.kmib.co.kr/article/view.asp?arcid=0923869145&code=11131100&sid1=soc|work=Kukmin Ilbo|language=ko|last1=Kwon|first1=Joon-hyup|date=December 18, 2017|access-date=February 19, 2018|archive-date=February 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220151909/http://news.kmib.co.kr/article/view.asp?arcid=0923869145&code=11131100&sid1=soc|url-status=live}}

{{main|Shinee|SM The Ballad}}

In 2005, Jonghyun was scouted by SM Entertainment when he was 15 years old, after playing in a song festival with his band at school.{{cite news|title=Shinee's Jonghyun dies in apparent suicide: A look back at K-pop singer's life|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/shinees-jonghyun-dies-in-apparent-suicide-more-on-his-life|work=The Straits Times|last1=Lam|first1=Lydia|date=December 18, 2017|access-date=February 19, 2018|archive-date=February 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220091839/http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/shinees-jonghyun-dies-in-apparent-suicide-more-on-his-life|url-status=live}}{{cite news|script-title=ko:유명 아이돌 '샤이니' 종현 숨진 채 발견|trans-title=Jonghyun, famous "Shinee" idol, found dead|url=http://m.mk.co.kr/news/amp/headline/2017/836887|work=Maeil Business Newspaper|language=ko|last1=Park|first1=Hae-young|date=December 28, 2017|access-date=February 19, 2018|archive-date=February 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220033541/http://m.mk.co.kr/news/amp/headline/2017/836887|url-status=live}} Jonghyun debuted as part of the five-member boy group Shinee on May 25, 2008, on SBS' Inkigayo.{{cite news|script-title=ko:SM 대형 신인 '샤이니' 25일 '인기가요' 통해 데뷔|trans-title=SM's new rookie group Shinee to debut with 'popular music' on 25 May|url=http://www.hankyung.com/news/app/newsview.php?aid=2008052520257|work=HanKyung|language=ko|date=August 20, 2008|access-date=June 20, 2011|archive-date=July 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160711210954/http://hei.hankyung.com/news/app/newsview.php?aid=2008052520257}} In 2009, Jonghyun started contributing to the group as a songwriter, writing the lyrics to their fourth Korean single, "Juliette", which was included on the group's second EP, Romeo. Jonghyun said he was inspired by the 1968 film Romeo and Juliet, and he wanted to write a romance story that "will make everyone interested but also a story which everyone can identify with".{{cite news|title=Standing alone, Kim Jonghyun is unlike any other K-pop idol|url=https://i-d.co/article/standing-alone-kim-jonghyun-is-unlike-any-other-k-pop-idol/|work=i-D|last=Glasby|first=Taylor|date=June 21, 2016|access-date=August 11, 2017|archive-date=August 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810231813/https://i-d.vice.com/en_uk/article/43ve4j/standing-alone-kim-jonghyun-is-unlike-any-other-k-pop-idol|url-status=live}}{{cite web|script-title=ko:샤이니 종현 '줄리엣' 첫작사 비화 "고전영화 로미오와 줄리엣 영감" (인터뷰)|trans-title=Shinee Jonghyun's first time writing lyrics for 'Juliette': "The inspiration was the classic movie Romeo and Juliet" (Interview)|url=https://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=200905181521461002|website=Newsen|language=ko|last=Kim|first=Hyung-woo|date=May 18, 2009|access-date=June 22, 2022|archive-date=November 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128230114/https://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=200905181521461002|url-status=live}}

In October 2010, Jonghyun was one of twenty idols from various South Korean groups that recorded the song "Let's Go", which promoted the 2010 G-20 Seoul summit. He provided vocals along with labelmates Sungmin of Super Junior, Seohyun of Girls' Generation and Luna of f(x).{{cite news|title=K-Pop Stars Band Together for G20 Theme Tune|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/10/14/2010101401413.html|work=The Chosun Ilbo|date=October 14, 2010|access-date=February 21, 2015|archive-date=July 19, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719145507/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/10/14/2010101401413.html|url-status=live}} In November 2010, Jonghyun, along with TRAX's Jay, Super Junior's Kyuhyun, and Jino (now a member of Pentagon and goes by the name Jinho) participated in SM the Ballad, a project group formed by SM Entertainment with a focus on ballads and R&B.{{cite news|script-title=ko:규현·종현·제이, 신예 지노와 프로젝트 SM더발라드 그룹 결성|trans-title=Kyuhyun, Jonghyun, Jay, and rookie Jino form SM the Ballad Group|url=http://article.joinsmsn.com/news/article/article.asp?total_id=4682082&ctg=1503|via=Joins|work=Newsen|last=Lee|first=Eon-hyuk|access-date=February 21, 2015|archive-date=March 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312142417/http://article.joinsmsn.com/news/article/article.asp?total_id=4682082&ctg=1503|url-status=usurped}} The group released their debut EP, Miss You, on November 29, 2010.{{cite news|script-title=ko:SM the Ballad, 28일 '인기가요'로 데뷔 무대|trans-title=SM the Ballad, 28 days 'popular music' to debut'|url=http://news.nate.com/view/20101127n04883?mid=e0101|via=Nate|work=TV Daily|language=ko|last=Cho|first=Eun-ji|date=November 27, 2010|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=August 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190828162255/https://news.nate.com/view/20101127n04883?mid=e0101|url-status=live}}

In June 2011, Jonghyun appeared on KBS' Immortal Songs: Singing the Legend, a television competition program where singers perform new versions of old songs by "legendary singers".{{cite news|title=Idol stars cast for singing contest program|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011050619545752781|work=TenAsia|last=Kim|first=Myung-hyun|date=May 6, 2011|access-date=March 30, 2012|archive-date=September 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923042634/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011050619545752781|url-status=live}} Jonghyun won the first round and defeated his labelmate, Yesung of Super Junior, but left the show after the first episode due to his busy schedule.{{cite news|script-title=ko:"불후의명곡2 너무 잔인" 네티즌 왜 난리?|trans-title="Immortal Songs 2 is too brutal" netizens ask why?|url=http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G1106100147|work=OSEN|language=ko|last=Jang|first=Chang-hwan|date=June 10, 2011|access-date=April 10, 2018|archive-date=April 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411025819/http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G1106100147|url-status=live}} The show subsequently came under fire from viewers, who claimed the program's harsh elimination method and structure left Jonghyun in tears on stage.{{cite news|script-title=ko:'불후2' 아이돌에겐 너무 잔인한 '탈락' 논란|trans-title="Immortal Song 2" Under Fire For Harsh Elimination Method|url=http://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=109&aid=0002219341|via=Naver|work=OSEN|date=June 10, 2011|access-date=February 21, 2015|archive-date=August 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811104704/http://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=109&aid=0002219341|url-status=live}}

In October 2013, Jonghyun debuted as a composer with the track "A Gloomy Clock", which was included on IU's third studio album, Modern Times. The song, which Jonghyun gave to IU as a friend, was also co-written by Jonghyun and dubbed a duet.{{cite news|script-title=ko:'컴백' 아이유, 최백호-양희은 등 '초호화 피처링' 눈길|trans-title=IU Returns with Featured Artists Including Choi Baek-ho and Yang Hee-eun|url=http://view.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2013092311010295951|work=Asia Economy|language=ko|last=Lee|first=Keum-jun|date=September 23, 2013|access-date=October 8, 2013|archive-date=December 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203015026/http://view.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2013092311010295951|url-status=live}} Two months later, Son Dam-bi released the song "Red Candle", which was also composed and written by Jonghyun.{{cite news|title=Son Dam Bi to Comeback with Shinee Jonghyun's Song 'Red Candle'|url=http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/54024/sondambi-to-release-new-digital-single|via=Mwave|work=CJ E&M enewsWorld|last=Jeon|first=Su-mi|date=December 23, 2013|access-date=December 20, 2013|archive-date=March 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301051428/http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/54024/sondambi-to-release-new-digital-single|url-status=dead}}

In February 2014, Jonghyun debuted as a radio host on the MBC radio program {{ill|MBC Blue Night|lt=Blue Night|ko|푸른밤}}.{{cite news|script-title=ko:샤이니 종현 다음달 3일부터 MBC 라디오 '푸른밤' 지기|trans-title=Shinee Jonghyun hosts MBC Radio's 'Blue Night' starting from the 3rd of next month|url=http://sports.khan.co.kr/entertainment/sk_index.html?cat=view&art_id=201401230956583&sec_id=540101&pt=nv|work=Sports Kyunghyak|language=ko|date=January 23, 2014|access-date=April 10, 2018|archive-date=December 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217020741/http://sports.khan.co.kr/entertainment/sk_index.html?cat=view&art_id=201401230956583&sec_id=540101&pt=nv|url-status=live}} MBC said they chose Jonghyun to host because of his dedication to music-related activities and passion for music.{{cite news|title=Shinee singer joins MBC radio|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2983989|work=Korea JoongAng Daily|last=Lee|first=Sun-min|date=January 24, 2014|access-date=January 26, 2014|archive-date=July 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719215535/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2983989}} After a four-year hiatus, SM the Ballad returned on February 13, 2014, with a new line-up and their second EP, Breath.{{cite news|title=SM ballad artists serenade fans in joint recital|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140213001223|work=The Korea Herald|last=Jackson|first=Julie|date=February 13, 2014|access-date=May 19, 2018|archive-date=May 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180518135819/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140213001223|url-status=live}} Jonghyun performed the title track "Breath" as a collaboration with Girls' Generation's Taeyeon.{{cite news|title=SM group to release sophomore album 'Breath' next week|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140205000893|work=The Korea Herald|last=Sohn|first=Ji-young|date=February 5, 2014|access-date=May 19, 2018|archive-date=July 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705151128/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140205000893|url-status=live}} In July 2014, Jonghyun began a segment on his radio show where he wrote songs based on stories submitted by listeners.{{cite news|script-title=ko:샤이니 종현, '푸른 밤' 청취자 위한 자작곡 전격 공개|trans-title=Jonghyun to reveal his new compositions on MBC FM4U's 'Blue Night'|url=http://sports.donga.com/3/all/20140704/64947373/2|work=Sports Donga|language=ko|last=Hong|first=Se-young|date=July 4, 2014|access-date=May 19, 2018|archive-date=May 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180518133730/http://sports.donga.com/3/all/20140704/64947373/2|url-status=live}} In August 2014, fellow Shinee member Taemin released his first EP, Ace, for which Jonghyun wrote the track "Pretty Boy".{{cite news|title='Deja-Boo' is my musical color: Jonghyun|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201501091724061383379_2|work=Kpop Herald|last=Ahn|first=Sung-mi|access-date=August 11, 2017|archive-date=February 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180211190050/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201501091724061383379_2|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Taemin of Shinee to release first solo album|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140811000581_2|work=Kpop Herald|last=Sohn|first=Ji-young|date=August 11, 2014|access-date=June 17, 2016|archive-date=October 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007034003/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140811000581_2|url-status=live}}

File:Kim Jong-hyun during at Base Showcase 01.jpg

On January 12, 2015, Jonghyun made his solo debut with his first EP, Base.{{cite news|title=Shinee's Jonghyun to Collaborate with Younha, Wheesung and Iron in First Solo Album|url=http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/84386/shinees-jonghyun-to-collaborate-with-younha-wheesung-and-iron-in-first-solo-album|via=MWave|work=CJ E&M enewsWorld|last=Danbi Hong|first=Grace|access-date=April 2, 2015|archive-date=September 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923004520/http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/84386/shinees-jonghyun-to-collaborate-with-younha-wheesung-and-iron-in-first-solo-album|url-status=dead}} The EP was promoted with two singles, "Deja-Boo" and "Crazy (Guilty Pleasure)". Jonghyun wrote the lyrics to every song on the EP, which featured collaborations with Zion.T, Younha, Wheesung and Iron.{{cite web|title='Deja-Boo' is my musical color: Jonghyun|url=http://www.kpopherald.com/view.php?ud=201501091724061383379_2|website=Kpop Herald|last=Yoon|first=Sarah|date=January 9, 2015|access-date=January 9, 2015|archive-date=August 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823070502/http://www.kpopherald.com/view.php?ud=201501091724061383379_2|url-status=live}} It peaked at number one on both the Billboard World Albums Chart and the Gaon Album Chart.{{cite magazine|title=Shinee's Jonghyun Rises to No. 1 on World Albums Chart With 'Base' EP|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/6450299/shinee-jonghyun-base-no-1-world-albums-chart|magazine=Billboard|last=Benjamin|first=Jeff|date=January 22, 2015|access-date=February 25, 2021|archive-date=January 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123070513/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/6450299/shinee-jonghyun-base-no-1-world-albums-chart|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Shinee's Jonghyun tops Gaon chart|url=http://www.kpopherald.com/view.php?ud=201501231557153119281_2|work=Kpop Herald|date=January 23, 2015|access-date=January 24, 2015|archive-date=January 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128132316/http://www.kpopherald.com/view.php?ud=201501231557153119281_2|url-status=live}} On January 9, television network Mnet confirmed that Jonghyun would appear on the entertainment program 4 Things Show.{{cite web|script-title=ko:Mnet '4가지쇼' 시즌2, 더 발칙하게 컴백...오늘(9일) 종현 편 공개|trans-title=Mnet's '4 Things Show' season 2 makes a more daring return... Jonghyun episode to be released today (9th)|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/382/0000304943|via=Naver|work=Sports Dong-a|language=ko|last=Hong|first=Se-young|date=January 9, 2015|access-date=October 6, 2024}} Taemin, Davichi's Minkyung, and Zion.T appeared as Jonghyun's friends during the episode.{{cite web|script-title=ko:'4가지쇼' 종현, 폭풍 눈물... 말하지 못했던 속사정 공개|trans-title='4 Things Show': Jonghyun's storm of tears... Unspoken secrets revealed|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/382/0000306228|via=Naver|work=Sports Dong-a|language=ko|last=Hong|first=Se-young|date=January 13, 2015|access-date=October 6, 2024}} In March 2015, Jonghyun composed and wrote the song "Playboy", which was included in Exo's second Korean album, Exodus.{{cite news|script-title=ko:베일벗은 엑소 정규2집, 샤이니 종현도 작곡가 참여|trans-title=Exo's second studio album unveiled, Shinee's Jonghyun also participated as a composer|url=https://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201503261107500410|work=Newsen|language=ko|last=Hwang|first=Hye-jin|date=March 26, 2015|access-date=October 6, 2024}} A month later, Lim Kim released "No More" on her third EP, Simple Mind, which was also composed and written by Jonghyun.{{cite news|title=Shinee Jonghyun praises Lim Kim's 'Simple Mind'|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201504281452163049453_2|work=Kpop Herald|last=Lim|first=Jeong-yeo|date=April 30, 2015|access-date=May 19, 2018|archive-date=May 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180518134717/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201504281452163049453_2|url-status=live}}

File:Jonghyun at 2016 Korean Popular Culture And Arts Awards.jpg

Jonghyun released a new compilation album of self-composed songs originally performed on his radio show MBC Blue Night. The compilation album, Story Op.1, was released on September 17, 2015.{{cite news|script-title=ko:샤이니 종현, 자작곡으로 구성된 '이야기 Op. 1' 17일 발매|trans-title=Jonghyun to release self-composed album 'Story Op.1' on the 17th|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/076/0002805106|via=Naver|work=Sports Chosun|language=ko|last=Lee|first=Jung-hyuk|date=September 14, 2015|access-date=October 6, 2024}} The following month, he held his first solo concert, The Story by Jonghyun, as part of SM Entertainment's concert series The Agit.{{cite news|script-title=ko:샤이니 종현, SM 콘서트 시리즈 첫 주자 '10월 솔로 콘서트 개최'|trans-title=Shinee's Jonghyun to headline first concert of SM Entertainment's solo concert series, 'holding solo concert in October'|url=http://starin.edaily.co.kr/news/NewsRead.edy?SCD=EA21&newsid=01282486609470928&DCD=A10202|work=StarIn|language=ko|last1=Jeong|first1=Shi-nae|date=August 25, 2015|access-date=August 25, 2015|archive-date=September 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150903053540/http://starin.edaily.co.kr/news/NewsRead.edy?SCD=EA21&newsid=01282486609470928&DCD=A10202|url-status=dead}} He performed a total of 12 sold-out shows. Each concert featured a different guest, including Shinee's Onew and Taemin, IU, Zion.T, Jung-in, Lim Kim, Oksang Dalbit, Coffee Boy, Nine, Lee Ji-hyoung, Soran, and poet Ha Sang-wook.{{cite news|title=Shinee's Jonghyun Successfully Concludes First Solo Concert|url=http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/98925/shinees-jonghyun-successfully-concludes-first-solo-concert|work=MWave|last=Lee|first=Jin-ho|date=October 10, 2015|access-date=October 20, 2015|archive-date=February 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160211105738/http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/98925/shinees-jonghyun-successfully-concludes-first-solo-concert|url-status=dead}}

Jonghyun appeared on the debut of the Mnet program Monthly Live Connection, which brought together two artists from different musical backgrounds to collaborate on one song. Jonghyun released the single "Elevator" on October 14 as part of the TV program.{{cite news|script-title=ko:'월간 라이브 커넥션' 종현, 자작곡 '엘리베이터' 오늘(14일) 최초 공개|trans-title='Monthly Live Connection' Jonghyun's self-composed song, "Elevator", is released for the first time today (14th)|url=http://tenasia.hankyung.com/archives/717465|work=TenAsia|language=ko|last=Lee|first=Eun-Ho|date=October 14, 2015|access-date=January 10, 2015|archive-date=October 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151014175250/http://tenasia.hankyung.com/archives/717465|url-status=dead}} Following that, he collaborated with Soran's Go Young-bae in creating the single "I Guess Now It's the Fall",{{cite news|script-title=ko:샤이니 종현X소란 고영배 '가을이긴 한가 봐', 가을 감성 물씬|trans-title=Shinee's Jonghyun x Soran's Go Young-bae "I Guess Now It's the Fall" autumn's sensibility|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=016&aid=0000884427|via=Naver|work=Herald Economy|language=ko|last1=Jung|first1=Yoon-hee|date=October 22, 2015|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=July 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710164233/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=016&aid=0000884427|url-status=live}} and with singer-songwriter Jung Joon-young in creating the single "Aewol".{{cite news|script-title=ko:'월간 라이브 커넥션' 종현, 대망의 '커넥션 쇼' 공개|trans-title='Monthly Live Connection' Jonghyun to reveal the much-awaited 'Connection Show'|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=016&aid=0000889794|via=Naver|work=Herald Economy|language=ko|last1=Jun|first1=Yoon-hee|date=October 28, 2015|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=July 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710163937/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=016&aid=0000889794|url-status=live}} The same month, Jonghyun was selected as one of the top five K-pop idol vocalists by a survey completed by 40 anonymous music industry officials.{{cite news|title=Who are the top five K-pop idol vocalists?|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201510181506127293595_2|work=Kpop Herald|last=Kim|first=Yu-jin|date=October 18, 2015|access-date=May 19, 2018|archive-date=May 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180518133730/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201510181506127293595_2|url-status=live}} Jonghyun published a novel, titled Skeleton Flower: Things That Have Been Released and Set Free, on November 19, after previously selling it in limited quantities at his concert. The book contains stories about songs written by Jonghyun, as well as photos that he took himself.{{cite news|script-title=ko:샤이니 종현, 소설책 '산하엽' 19일 정식 발매 '아티스트 행보'|trans-title=Shinee Jonghyun's novel 'Skeleton Flower' to be officially released on the 19th. 'Artist's step.'|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/382/0000423444|via=Naver|work=Sports Chosun|language=ko|last=Jang|first=Kyung-guk|date=November 12, 2015|access-date=October 6, 2024}}

Jonghyun composed and wrote the track "Already" for Taemin's first studio album, Press It, which was released in February 2016.{{cite news|script-title=ko:'솔로 컴백' 태민 "종현 곡 '벌써', 달라고 떼썼다"|trans-title='Solo comeback' Taemin: "I begged for Jonghyun's song 'Already'"|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/311/0000579574|via=Naver|work=Xports News|language=ko|last=Jo|first=Eun-hye|date=February 22, 2016|access-date=October 6, 2024}} He also composed and wrote a track called "Breathe" for Lee Hi's album Seoulite, which was released in March 2016.{{cite web|title=Lee Hi returns with "Breath" written by Jonghyun of Shinee|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2016/03/201_200446.html|website=The Korea Times|last=Kim|first=Jae-heun|date=March 15, 2016|access-date=October 6, 2024}} Jonghyun released a collaboration single with Heritage titled "Your Voice" on March 18, 2016, as part of SM Entertainment's SM Station project.{{cite news|script-title=ko:SM스테이션 다음 주자는 샤이니 종현X헤리티지..공동 작사·작곡|trans-title=SM Station's next runner is Shinee's Jonghyun X Heritage... Co-writing and composing|url=http://star.mt.co.kr/view/stview.php?no=2016031615074386639|work=Star News|language=ko|last=Kim|first=Mi-hwa|date=March 16, 2016|access-date=June 18, 2016|archive-date=March 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304223747/http://star.mt.co.kr/view/stview.php?no=2016031615074386639|url-status=live}} On May 24, 2016, SM Entertainment released Jonghyun's first studio album, She Is, consisting of nine songs, most of which were written and composed by Jonghyun.{{cite news|title=Jonghyun To Release His First Official Album|url=http://www.bntnews.co.uk/app/news.php?nid=30757|work=BNT News|last=Ahn|first=Woorim|date=May 17, 2016|access-date=July 18, 2016|archive-date=May 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160518112239/http://www.bntnews.co.uk/app/news.php?nid=30757|url-status=dead}} The album spans various genres, including electro-funk, EDM, and R&B.{{cite web|title=Shinee's Jonghyun releases first solo album|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2016/05/113_205453.html|website=The Korea Times|last=Kim|first=Jae-heun|date=May 24, 2016|access-date=June 22, 2022|archive-date=February 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219015730/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2016/05/113_205453.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Jonghyun to hold showcase|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201605221304515246859_2|work=Kpop Herald|last=Kim|first=Soo-hyang|date=May 22, 2016|access-date=July 18, 2016|archive-date=August 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829074833/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201605221304515246859_2|url-status=live}} Jonghyun said that "one can feel his passion as a singer-songwriter the most" on She Is. In December 2016, Jonghyun released another SM Station single titled "Inspiration".{{cite web|url=http://www.osen.co.kr/article/G1110547446|script-title=ko:샤이니 종현, 9일 자작곡 'Inspiration' 발표|trans-title=Shinee's Jonghyun to release self-composed song 'Inspiration' on the 9th|work=OSEN|last=Seon|first=Mi-kyung|date=December 5, 2016|access-date=October 8, 2024|language=ko}} He held a series of concerts, titled Jonghyun – X – Inspiration, in Seoul and Busan, attracting 17,000 spectators.{{cite web|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/382/0000527940|script-title=ko:종현, 서울·부산 콘서트 성료…1만7000관객 열광|trans-title=Jonghyun successfully completes his Seoul and Busan concerts... thrilling 17,000 audience members|work=Sports Dong-a|via=Naver|last=Hong|first=Se-young|date=December 19, 2016|access-date=October 8, 2024|language=ko}}

On March 9, 2017, MBC confirmed that Jonghyun would leave his position as radio host at MBC Blue Night.{{cite news|script-title=ko:종현, '푸른밤' 3년만 DJ 하차..."4월 2일 막방, 후임 논의中"[공식]|trans-title=Jonghyun leaves "Blue Night" after three years of hosting... "The last show is on April 2, there are discussions about the replacement" [formal]|url=http://isplus.live.joins.com/news/article/article.asp?total_id=21352753&cloc=|work=Ilgan Sports|language=ko|last1=Hwang|first1=So-young|date=March 9, 2017|access-date=February 19, 2018|archive-date=July 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701143420/http://isplus.live.joins.com/news/article/article.asp?total_id=21352753&cloc=|url-status=live}} The decision came after a lengthy discussion between Jonghyun and the show's staff, who stated, "It's disappointing, but because Shinee's Japanese and North American tour is about to start, he decided to leave."{{cite news|script-title=ko:[공식입장] MBC 측 "샤이니 종현, '푸른 밤' DJ 하차...후임 미정"|trans-title=[Formal stance] MBC's side, "Shinee's Jong-hyun leaving his host position on "Blue Night"... Undecided successor."|url=http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G1110599386|work=OSEN|date=March 9, 2017|access-date=March 9, 2017|archive-date=March 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312032135/http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G1110599386|url-status=live}} In an interview for Esquire, he described the experience as a turning point in his life. It was a space where he could explore new things, express himself and connect with the public on a deeper level: Before, I think I was more comfortable being "the singer Kim Jonghyun." [...] Because it was the one I [and the public] was used to. However, that changed when I started doing radio. As I started expressing my human side to others, I became [more] comfortable with the image of Kim Jonghyun that I revealed through radio. He also enjoyed the routine that came with hosting the midnight radio show. It gave him a sense of stability, which is rare in the entertainment industry.{{cite news|script-title=ko:푸른 밤 종현이었습니다|trans-title=Esquire Korea Interview - Blue Night Jonghyun|url=http://esquirekorea.co.kr/interview/%ed%91%b8%eb%a5%b8-%eb%b0%a4-%ec%a2%85%ed%98%84%ec%9d%b4%ec%97%88%ec%8a%b5%eb%8b%88%eb%8b%a4/|work=Esquire Korea|language=ko|access-date=January 10, 2018|archive-date=December 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231185129/http://esquirekorea.co.kr/interview/%ED%91%B8%EB%A5%B8-%EB%B0%A4-%EC%A2%85%ED%98%84%EC%9D%B4%EC%97%88%EC%8A%B5%EB%8B%88%EB%8B%A4|url-status=dead}}

He released his second compilation album, titled Story Op.2, on April 24, 2017.{{cite news|script-title=ko:종현, 24일 두번째 소품집 '이야기 Op.2' 발표...전곡 자작곡 [공식]|trans-title=Release of Jonghyun's second compilation album "Story Op.2" on the 24th... full-length self-composed song [formal]|url=http://sports.donga.com/3/02/20170418/83915149/1|work=Sports Donga|language=ko|last=Hong|first=Se-young|date=April 18, 2017|access-date=April 18, 2017|archive-date=August 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831212023/http://sports.donga.com/3/02/20170418/83915149/1|url-status=live}} Jonghyun held a series of 20 concerts, titled The Agit (The Letter), between May and July 2017, at the SM Town Coex Artium in Seoul. Originally, only 12 concerts were planned, but Jonghyun decided to hold eight additional concerts after fans requested more performances. The concerts included songs from the album Story Op.2, and attracted 14,000 fans.{{cite news|title=Jonghyun to hold extra concerts|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201705111805591527266_2&ACE_SEARCH=1|work=Kpop Herald|last=Lee|first=Joel|date=May 11, 2017|access-date=July 5, 2017|archive-date=July 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729003627/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201705111805591527266_2&ACE_SEARCH=1|url-status=live}}{{cite news|script-title=ko:종현, 솔로 콘서트 '유리병편지' 20회 공연 대장정 마침표|trans-title=Shinee Jonghyun, concludes long road to 20th solo concert.. Brings 14000 audiences|url=http://tenasia.hankyung.com/archives/1246737|work=TenAsia|language=ko|last=Son|first=Ye-ji|date=July 3, 2017|access-date=July 5, 2017|archive-date=July 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705160516/http://tenasia.hankyung.com/archives/1246737|url-status=live}}

From December 9 to 10, 2017, Jonghyun held a concert titled Inspired at the SK Olympic Handball Gymnasium.{{cite news|script-title=ko:[공식] 샤이니 종현, 12월 솔로 콘서트 개최...15일 예매 오픈|trans-title=[Formal] Shinee's Jonghyun hold a solo concert in December... ticket sale open on the 15th|url=http://sports.chosun.com/news/ntype.htm?id=201711070100054720003661&servicedate=20171107|work=Sports Chosun|language=ko|last=Jo|first=Yoon-seon|date=November 7, 2017|access-date=November 7, 2017|archive-date=August 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831140140/http://sports.chosun.com/news/ntype.htm?id=201711070100054720003661&servicedate=20171107|url-status=live}} Around the same time, Jonghyun was also working on his new album, which was set to be released in January 2018, and had also finished filming the music video for the lead track. The album, Poet {{pipe}} Artist, was eventually released posthumously on January 23, 2018,{{cite news|script-title=ko:故샤이니 종현, 내년초 솔로 신곡 발표 앞두고 사망...슬픔 더하는 이유|trans-title=Late Shinee's Jonghyun dies ahead of the release of a new solo song early next year... the reason for causing sadness to one's heart|url=http://www.xportsnews.com/jenter/?ac=article_view&entry_id=924859&_REFERER=https%3A%2F%2Fentertain.naver.com%2Fread?oid%3D311%26aid%3D0000805301|work=X Sports News|language=ko|last=Jeon|first=Won|date=December 19, 2017|access-date=December 23, 2017|archive-date=August 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831132329/http://www.xportsnews.com/jenter/?ac=article_view&entry_id=924859&_REFERER=https%3A%2F%2Fentertain.naver.com%2Fread%3Foid%3D311%26aid%3D0000805301|url-status=live}}{{cite news|script-title=ko:[공식]故 종현 유작앨범 공개된다... SM "23일 발표"|trans-title=[Formal] The late Jonghyun's posthumous album will be released... SM announces, "it will be on the 23rd"|url=http://news1.kr/articles/?3212138|work=News1|language=ko|last=Yoon|first=Hyo-jung|date=January 19, 2018|access-date=January 19, 2018|archive-date=August 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831132739/http://news1.kr/articles/?3212138|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|title=Posthumous Album From Shinee's Jonghyun Coming Soon|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/8095093/jonghyun-posthumous-album-release-date-poet-artist-shinee-death|magazine=Billboard|last1=Herman|first1=Tamar|date=January 19, 2018|df=mdy-all|access-date=January 26, 2018|archive-date=January 26, 2018|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20180126084835/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/8095093/jonghyun-posthumous-album-release-date-poet-artist-shinee-death|url-status=live}} with all profits from the album sales to be given to Jonghyun's mother, in addition to establishing a foundation "to help those who are living in difficult circumstances".{{cite news|script-title=ko:종현의 마지막 앨범 'Poet{{pipe}}Artist'...수익금 전액 기부재단 설립에 사용|trans-title=Jonghyun's last album "Poet{{pipe}}Artist"... All proceeds will be used for the establishment of a donation foundation|url=http://sports.khan.co.kr/entertainment/sk_index.html?art_id=201801231409003&sec_id=540101&pt=nv|work=Sports Kyunghyang|language=ko|last=On|first=Ra-in|date=January 23, 2018|access-date=July 8, 2018|archive-date=December 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217020742/http://sports.khan.co.kr/entertainment/sk_index.html?art_id=201801231409003&sec_id=540101&pt=nv|url-status=live}} Poet {{pipe}} Artist debuted at number 177 on the Billboard 200 with 5,000 equivalent album units, making Jonghyun the fourth Korean soloist to appear on the chart, after BoA, G-Dragon and Taeyang.{{cite magazine|title=Jonghyun Makes Billboard 200 Debut With Posthumous 'Poet/Artist' Album|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/8097189/jonghyun-poet-artist-billboard-200-debut|magazine=Billboard|last1=Benjamin|first1=Jeff|date=January 30, 2018|access-date=January 30, 2018|archive-date=January 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130221523/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/8097189/jonghyun-poet-artist-billboard-200-debut|url-status=live}} In 2025, Shinee released a new single album, also titled Poet {{!}} Artist. The lead single had been written by Jonghyun prior to his death, and features his vocals.{{cite web|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/home/article/076/0004278148|script-title=ko:의리의 샤이니, 故 종현 작사 작곡한 '포에트 {{!}} 아티스트'로 25일 컴백|trans-title=Loyal Shinee will make a comeback on the 25th with 'Poet {{!}} Artist', written and composed by the late Jonghyun|work=Sports Chosun|via=Naver|last=Baek|first=Ji-eun|date=May 19, 2025|access-date=May 19, 2025|language=ko}}{{cite web|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/home/article/382/0001199390|script-title=ko:'종현과 함께한 3분 32초…' 샤이니, 종현 미공개곡 발표|trans-title='3 minutes and 32 seconds with Jonghyun...' Jonghyun's unreleased song is released by Shinee|work=Sports Dong-A|via=Naver|last=Yang|first=Ju-yeon|date=May 25, 2025|access-date=May 31, 2025|language=ko}}

From October 2010 to June 2011, Jonghyun was in a relationship with actress Shin Se-kyung.{{Cite web|script-title=ko:[단독] 신세경·'샤이니' 종현, 동갑커플 탄생..."우린 서로의 이상형" (종합)|trans-title=[Exclusive] Shin Se-kyung and 'Shinee' Jonghyun, a couple of the same age... "We are each other's ideal type." (Summary)|url=http://m.tf.co.kr/read/exclusive/1143943.htm|website=The Fact|language=ko|last=Na|first=Ji-yeon|date=October 27, 2010|access-date=December 21, 2021|archive-date=December 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221151726/http://m.tf.co.kr/read/exclusive/1143943.htm|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|script-title=ko:신세경, 종현과 결별 인정.."최근 친구로"|trans-title=Shin Se-kyung admits to break up with Jonghyun... "Remained friends"|url=https://www.edaily.co.kr/News/Read?newsId=01492406596283688&mediaCodeNo=258|website=Edaily|language=ko|last=Choi|first=Eun-young|date=June 20, 2011|access-date=December 21, 2021|archive-date=December 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221151725/https://m.edaily.co.kr/amp/read?newsId=01492406596283688&mediaCodeNo=258|url-status=live}} The relationship was publicised by a group of reporters from South Korean media outlet Sports Seoul, who had been inspired by Western publications like TMZ and The Sun. The reporters followed the couple for a month before publishing pictures, marking the first time paparazzi tactics had been applied to South Korean celebrities. The photos went viral, almost crashing Sports Seoul{{'}}s servers and resulting in enormous backlash from fans for both Jonghyun and Shin. The response inspired the reporters to break away from Sports Seoul and form a new publication, Dispatch, dedicated to breaking celebrity scandals.{{cite podcast|url=https://radiolab.org/podcast/kpoparazzi|title=K-poparazzi|work=Radiolab|publisher=WNYC Studios|host=Alexandra Young|date=February 23, 2016|time=17:09|access-date=May 31, 2025}}

In April 2013, Jonghyun was involved in a car accident and injured his nose.{{cite news|script-title=ko:'교통사고' 종현, 코뼈골절진단.."입원 치료 전념"|trans-title="Car accident" Jonghyun diagnosed with broken nose... "Receiving hospital treatment"|url=http://star.mt.co.kr/view/stview.php?no=2013040111171998912&type=1&outlink=1|work=Star News|language=ko|last=Yoon|first=Sung-yeul|date=April 4, 2013|access-date=September 10, 2016|archive-date=September 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911171453/http://star.mt.co.kr/view/stview.php?no=2013040111171998912&type=1&outlink=1}}{{cite magazine|title=Shinee Ask 'Why So Serious?' Without Member Jonghyun|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/1559652/shinee-ask-why-so-serious-without-member-jonghyun|magazine=Billboard|last1=Benjamin|first1=Jeff|date=May 6, 2013|access-date=July 9, 2018|archive-date=July 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705101305/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/1559652/shinee-ask-why-so-serious-without-member-jonghyun|url-status=live}} SM Entertainment reported that he had undergone surgery following the accident.{{cite news|script-title=ko:'코뼈수술' 종현, 퇴원.."샤이니 합류시점 논의中"|trans-title="Nose surgery" Jonghyun discharged from hospital... "Debating when to join Shinee"|url=http://star.mt.co.kr/stview.php?no=2013041516253950883|work=Star News|language=ko|last1=Yoon|first1=Sung-yeol|date=April 15, 2013|access-date=July 16, 2018|archive-date=July 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716140634/http://star.mt.co.kr/stview.php?no=2013041516253950883|url-status=live}} He sat out most of his group's promotions for their third studio album, though he participated in the final week.

In December 2013, as a show of support towards a protest focused on shining light on South Korea's social inequality, Jonghyun changed his Twitter profile picture to an image of a message written by a transgender, bisexual student protester.{{cite news|title=Jong-hyun of Shinee shows support for sexual minorities|url=http://khnews.kheraldm.com/view.php?ud=20131215000352&md=20131218004346_BL&kr=1|work=The Korea Herald|last1=Young|first1=Moon|date=December 15, 2013|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=July 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710010507/http://khnews.kheraldm.com/view.php?ud=20131215000352&md=20131218004346_BL&kr=1|url-status=live}} It was a message that critiqued the country's cultural tightness, emphasis on social norms, and its discrimination against the LGBT community.{{cite news|script-title=ko:종현 '안녕들 하십니까' 동참...아이돌의 사회 참여, 제대로 알고 하는걸까?|trans-title=Jonghyun joins 'How are you?'... Idols participate in society|url=http://www.sportsworldi.com/content/html/2013/12/15/20131215021421.html|work=Sports World i|language=ko|date=December 15, 2013|access-date=July 9, 2018|archive-date=July 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710010456/http://www.sportsworldi.com/content/html/2013/12/15/20131215021421.html|url-status=live}} Jonghyun also contacted the student and thanked her for speaking out and voicing her position that "different doesn't mean wrong".{{cite news|script-title=ko:'개념돌' 샤이니 종현, '안녕들' 대자보 눈길|trans-title='Concept idol' Shinee's Jonghyun draws attention to 'How are you?'|url=http://www.zdnet.co.kr/news/news_view.asp?artice_id=20131215140647&type=det&re=zdk|work=ZDnet|language=ko|date=December 15, 2013|access-date=July 9, 2018|archive-date=July 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710010231/http://www.zdnet.co.kr/news/news_view.asp?artice_id=20131215140647&type=det&re=zdk|url-status=live}} This show of support attracted responses from the public, both positive and negative. He received defamatory responses from Ilbe Storehouse members allegedly claiming to be members of Shinee's fanclub.{{cite news|title=Shinee's Jong Hyun under attack for his support of the sexual minority|url=https://www.dramafever.com/news/shinees-jong-hyun-under-attack-for-his-support-of-the-sexual-minority-/|work=DramaFever|last1=Yu|first1=Seulki|date=December 17, 2013|access-date=December 18, 2017|archive-date=November 18, 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20161118005709/https://www.dramafever.com/news/shinees-jong-hyun-under-attack-for-his-support-of-the-sexual-minority-/|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|script-title=ko:샤이니월드 vs 일베 '일촉즉발' 분위기? 일베 비방 수위가...|trans-title=Shinee World vs Ilbe's explosive atmosphere? The level of slander on Ilbe...|url=http://biz.heraldcorp.com/view.php?ud=20131218000210|work=Herald Corporation|language=ko|last1=Ib|first1=Ryuk|date=December 18, 2013|access-date=December 19, 2017|archive-date=December 21, 2017|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20171221145252/http://biz.heraldcorp.com/view.php?ud=20131218000210|url-status=live}}

File:Kim Jonghyun funeral day two - 2.jpg Funeral Hall, December 20, 2017]]

In December 2017, Jonghyun rented an apartment in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam District in southeastern Seoul for two days.{{cite news|script-title=ko:경찰 "샤이니 종현, 사망 이틀전 누나에 우울증 호소"|trans-title=Police, "Shinee's Jonghyun, two days before his death, complained of depression to his sister"|url=http://star.mt.co.kr/stview.php?no=2017121820074391346|work=Star News|language=ko|last=Yoon|first=Sang-geun|date=December 18, 2017|access-date=December 23, 2017|archive-date=August 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831211935/http://star.mt.co.kr/stview.php?no=2017121820074391346|url-status=live}} He checked in at 12:00 PM KST on December 18, 2017.{{cite news|script-title=ko:샤이니 종현,레지던스서 갈탄 자살.."침대와 테이블 사이 방바닥..구토 흔적도" (종합)|trans-title=Shinee's Jonghyun, Residence Galán Suicide... "Trace of vomit on the floor between the bed and the table"|url=http://www.ajunews.com/view/20171218220832781|work=Aju Business Daily|language=ko|last=Lee|first=Gwang-hyo|date=December 18, 2017|access-date=December 24, 2017|archive-date=December 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225092200/http://www.ajunews.com/view/20171218220832781|url-status=live}} Later that day, at 4:42 PM, Jonghyun's older sister, Kim So-dam, made an initial call to emergency responders, reporting that she believed he intended to kill himself, because he had sent her a number of messages on KakaoTalk with words such as "last goodbye" and "say I did well".{{cite news|title=[Update] Shinee's Jonghyun dies in hospital|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20171218001047|work=The Korea Herald|date=December 18, 2017|access-date=December 18, 2017|archive-date=December 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171218122146/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20171218001047}} He was last seen at a convenience store next to the apartment.{{cite news|script-title=ko:CCTV에 담긴 종현의 생전 마지막 모습|trans-title=Jonghyun's last appearance on CCTV|url=http://news.joins.com/article/22220282|work=JoongAng Ilbo|language=ko|last=Lee|first=Ga-young|date=December 20, 2017|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=December 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224214156/http://news.joins.com/article/22220282|url-status=live}}{{cite video|script-title=ko:샤이니 종현 사망...서울아산병원 빈소 마련 / SBS|trans-title=Shinee's Jonghyun's death... Arsan Hospital in Seoul is prepared to hold the funeral|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9ZZ26sZA1o|via=YouTube|work=Seoul Broadcasting System|language=ko|date=December 18, 2017|access-date=December 24, 2017|archive-date=December 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224023352/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9ZZ26sZA1o|url-status=live}}{{cite news|script-title=ko:"종현은 두 개의 '나' 사이에서 고민했던 것 같다"|trans-title="I think Jonghyun was torn between two 'me's."|url=http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2017/12/19/2017121902372.html|work=Chosun|language=ko|last=Han|first=Kyung-jin|date=December 19, 2017|access-date=December 24, 2017|archive-date=December 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222083831/http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2017/12/19/2017121902372.html|url-status=live}}

Jonghyun was found unconscious by the police and rescue workers at around 6:10 PM in the apartment he rented. He was immediately brought to Konkuk University Hospital in a state of cardiac arrest. He received emergency treatment, but failed to regain consciousness and was pronounced dead at the hospital at around 6:32 PM, aged 27.{{cite news|title=(LEAD) Shinee member Jonghyun dies in apparent suicide: police|url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/culturesports/2017/12/18/0701000000AEN20171218010051315.html|work=Yonhap News Agency|date=December 18, 2017|access-date=December 18, 2017|archive-date=December 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171218120158/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/culturesports/2017/12/18/0701000000AEN20171218010051315.html}}{{cite news|title=Lead singer of South Korean boy band Shinee dies|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/18/shinee-kim-jong-hyun-lead-singer-of-south-korean-boy-band-dies|work=The Guardian|last=Aroesti|first=Justin McCurry Rachel|date=December 18, 2017|access-date=December 18, 2017|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=December 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171218120849/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/18/shinee-kim-jong-hyun-lead-singer-of-south-korean-boy-band-dies|url-status=live}} Investigators believe he died from inhaling either toxic fumes or smoke, as they discovered coal briquettes burnt on a frying pan upon arriving at the apartment. The police stated that, at the request of Jonghyun's family, a post-mortem would not be carried out,{{cite news|title=Jonghyun: Note shows K-pop star's struggles with depression|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-42407766|work=BBC News|date=December 19, 2017|access-date=December 19, 2017|archive-date=December 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171219061207/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-42407766|url-status=live}} and they declared his death a probable suicide.{{cite news|script-title=ko:경찰, 故샤이니 종현 부검 안해..."스스로 목숨 끊은 듯"|trans-title=Police will not be doing an autopsy on the late Shinee's Jonghyun... "as it seems he killed himself".|url=http://news1.kr/articles/?3183832|work=News 1|language=ko|last=Lee|first=Won-joon|date=December 19, 2017|access-date=December 23, 2017|archive-date=December 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222233011/http://news1.kr/articles/?3183832|url-status=live}}

Jonghyun's funeral was held in Asan Medical Center's funeral hall in Pungnam-dong, Seoul, starting the afternoon of December 19.{{cite news|script-title=ko:이별을 준비하는 故 샤이니 종현 팬들|trans-title=The late Shinee's Jonghyun fans preparing to say goodbye|url=http://www.nocutnews.co.kr/news/4895239|work=No Cut News|language=ko|date=December 20, 2018|access-date=July 9, 2018|archive-date=July 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710010210/http://www.nocutnews.co.kr/news/4895239|url-status=live}} Celebrities, such as BTS, IU, BoA, Girls' Generation, and Exo,{{cite news|script-title=ko:故 종현 빈소에 BTS·아이유 등 타사 가수들 조문...SNS도 '애도 물결'|trans-title=In the late Jonghyun funeral, other companies' singers, such as BTS and IU, pay their respects to him... and a "condolences wave" in social media too|url=http://www.segye.com/newsView/20171219003441|work=Segye Daily News|language=ko|last1=Choo|first1=Young-joon|date=December 19, 2017|access-date=July 9, 2018|archive-date=July 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709215707/http://www.segye.com/newsView/20171219003441|url-status=live}} and fans attended the three-day public funeral.{{cite news|script-title=ko:故 종현을 보내며...팬들은 포스트잇에 마지막 인사를 전하고 있다|trans-title=Sending off the late Jonghyun... Fans are sending their final goodbyes on Post-it notes|url=http://star.mk.co.kr/new/view.php?mc=ST&year=2017&no=842222|work=Star Mk|language=ko|last1=Kim|first1=So-yeon|date=December 20, 2017|access-date=July 9, 2018|archive-date=July 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709215711/http://star.mk.co.kr/new/view.php?mc=ST&year=2017&no=842222|url-status=live}}{{cite news|script-title=ko:"배웅하러 왔어요, 평생 후회할까봐"...故종현 팬들과 마지막 인사|trans-title="I'm here to see you off, I'm afraid I'll regret it for the rest of my life."... Last goodbye with the late Jonghyun's fans|url=http://news1.kr/articles/?3186396|work=News1|language=ko|last1=Lee|first1=Won-joon|last2=Kim|first2=Se-hyun|date=December 21, 2017|access-date=July 9, 2018|archive-date=December 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209132742/http://news1.kr/articles/?3186396|url-status=live}} Moreover, international fans also paid tribute to the singer around the world.{{cite news|script-title=ko:칠레 한국대사관 앞에 종현을 추모하는 팬들이 모였다|trans-title=Fans gathered in front of the Korean embassy in Chile to pay tribute to Jonghyun|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.kr/2017/12/18/4_19_n_18859474.html|work=Huffington Post Korea|language=ko|last1=Park|first1=So-jin|date=December 19, 2017|access-date=July 9, 2018|archive-date=August 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809091005/https://www.huffingtonpost.kr/2017/12/18/4_19_n_18859474.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|script-title=ko:故 '샤이니' 종현 발인, 외교부와 전세계 팬들이 함께 추모|trans-title=The starting of the late Shinee's Jonghyun's funeral procession, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and fans from all over the world cherish his memory|url=http://news.kmib.co.kr/article/view.asp?arcid=0011997883|work=Kukmin Ilbo|language=ko|date=December 21, 2017|access-date=July 9, 2018|archive-date=September 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909184917/http://news.kmib.co.kr/article/view.asp?arcid=0011997883|url-status=live}}{{cite news|script-title=ko:샤이니 종현 전세계적인 추모 분위기...방송사 자료화면 실수에 팬들 항의도|trans-title=Shinee's Jonghyun's world-wide memorial... Fans complain about mistakes in the broadcasting company's data|url=http://www.kookje.co.kr/news2011/asp/newsbody.asp?code=0500&key=20171221.99099009513|work=The Kookje Daily News|language=ko|last1=Jung|first1=Se-yoon|date=December 21, 2017|access-date=July 9, 2018|archive-date=July 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710010239/http://www.kookje.co.kr/news2011/asp/newsbody.asp?code=0500&key=20171221.99099009513|url-status=live}} On December 21, following the public funeral, Jonghyun was moved from the hospital to a private funeral attended only by his family and close friends, and was then buried in an undisclosed location.{{cite news|title=Jonghyun: K-pop stars carry Shinee singer's coffin|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-42435821|work=BBC News|date=December 21, 2017|access-date=December 21, 2017|archive-date=December 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171221103246/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-42435821|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=K-pop stars carry Shinee singer Jonghyun's coffin after suicide|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/k-pop-stars-carry-shinee-singer-jonghyun-s-coffin-after-suicide-9515878|work=Channel News Asia|date=December 21, 2017|access-date=December 21, 2017|archive-date=December 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222045807/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/k-pop-stars-carry-shinee-singer-jonghyun-s-coffin-after-suicide-9515878|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|title=Shinee's Jonghyun Laid to Rest In Private Ceremony|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/8078574/shinees-jonghyun-laid-to-rest-in-private-ceremony|magazine=Billboard|last1=Herman|first1=Tamar|date=December 21, 2017|access-date=December 22, 2017|archive-date=December 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223203000/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/8078574/shinees-jonghyun-laid-to-rest-in-private-ceremony|url-status=live}}

Jonghyun's death was linked to depression by various media outlets.{{cite news|script-title=ko:"작은 한숨 내뱉기도 어려운 하루를 보냈단 걸" 샤이니 종현, 그는...|trans-title="You spent a hard day to let out even a small sigh" Shinee's Jonghyun wrote...|url=http://news.joins.com/article/22215016|work=JoongAng Ilbo|language=ko|last=Han|first=Yong-hye|date=December 18, 2017|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=December 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225203339/http://news.joins.com/article/22215016|url-status=live}} Following Jonghyun's death, fellow singer and friend Nine9, of the band Dear Cloud, posted on Instagram Jonghyun's suicide note which he had sent to her two or three days before his December 9 concert.{{cite news|script-title=ko:나인 소속사 대표 "나인, 故종현 끝까지 붙잡았지만"(인터뷰)|trans-title=Nine's agency representative said, "Nine held onto the late Jonghyun until the end, but..." (interview)|url=http://star.mt.co.kr/stview.php?no=2017121913001299193|work=Star News|language=ko|last=Yoon|first=Sang-geun|date=December 19, 2017|access-date=December 23, 2017|archive-date=August 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831211926/http://star.mt.co.kr/stview.php?no=2017121913001299193|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Instagram post|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc2977qHJEn|publisher=Instagram|author=Nine9|date=December 18, 2017|access-date=December 26, 2017|archive-date=January 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112181919/https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc2977qHJEn/|url-status=live}} The note referred to a "devouring" depression and his struggles with fame. Nine9 was alarmed by the note and was advised by her agency to keep in touch with Jonghyun. She had tried to help him, but this only "delayed" his death and "did not prevent it".{{cite magazine|title=Jonghyun's coffin carried by K-pop stars at funeral|url=http://ew.com/music/2017/12/21/jonghyun-funeral/|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=December 21, 2017|access-date=December 21, 2017|archive-date=December 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222140426/http://ew.com/music/2017/12/21/jonghyun-funeral/|url-status=live}}

After Jonghyun's death, the hashtags "#StayStrongShawols"{{cite news|title=Jonghyun, Star K-Pop Producer And Singer, Dead At 27|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2017/12/18/571714518/jonghyun-star-k-pop-producer-and-singer-dead-at-27|work=NPR|date=December 18, 2017|access-date=December 25, 2017|archive-date=December 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224005816/https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2017/12/18/571714518/jonghyun-star-k-pop-producer-and-singer-dead-at-27|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Malaysian K-pop fans mourn the death of Jonghyun|url=https://www.star2.com/entertainment/2017/12/19/malaysian-join-grieving-fans-from-all-over-in-paying-their-respects-to-k-pop-star-jonghyun/|work=Star 2|last1=Yan|first1=Seto Kit|date=December 19, 2017|access-date=July 9, 2018|archive-date=July 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710010424/https://www.star2.com/entertainment/2017/12/19/malaysian-join-grieving-fans-from-all-over-in-paying-their-respects-to-k-pop-star-jonghyun/|url-status=live}} and "#YouDidWellJonghyun" became trending topics on Twitter.{{cite news|title=Jonghyun fans take comfort in 'pearl aqua Moon' images|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-42436476|work=BBC News|date=December 21, 2017|access-date=December 25, 2017|archive-date=December 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224034822/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-42436476|url-status=live}} On December 30, 2017, Jonghyun debuted on Billboard's Social 50 chart at #2, with 425,000 Wikipedia views, a boost of 17,974 percent.{{cite magazine|title=Jonghyun, Shinee Debut on Social 50 Chart Following Singer's Death|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8085618/jonghyun-shinee-debut-kpop-on-social-50-chart-following-singers-death|magazine=Billboard|last1=Rutherford|first1=Kevin|date=December 30, 2017|access-date=January 1, 2018|archive-date=January 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101010748/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8085618/jonghyun-shinee-debut-kpop-on-social-50-chart-following-singers-death|url-status=live}} Jonghyun's death opened discussions about the harsh and competitive nature of the entertainment business in South Korea, as well as mental health.{{cite news|script-title=ko:정은지 "故 종현 비보에 눈물..건강한 연예계 됐으면.."|trans-title=Jung Eun-ji: "Jonghyun's death made me cry... I wish the entertainment industry would be healthy."|url=http://star.mt.co.kr/stview.php?no=2017122014165417266|work=Star News|language=ko|last=Kim|first=Mi-hwa|date=December 20, 2017|access-date=December 24, 2017|archive-date=August 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831174957/http://star.mt.co.kr/stview.php?no=2017122014165417266|url-status=live}}

Jonghyun's single "Lonely" rose to the top of South Korea's online music stores.{{cite news|script-title=ja:［芸能］死亡のSHINｅｅ・ジョンヒョンさん ソロ曲がチャート1位に|trans-title=[Entertainment] Shinee Jonghyun's solo song is number one on the charts|url=http://japanese.yonhapnews.co.kr/enter/2017/12/19/1000000000AJP20171219000700882.HTML|work=Yonhap News|language=Japanese|date=December 19, 2017|access-date=December 24, 2017|archive-date=December 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225203403/http://japanese.yonhapnews.co.kr/enter/2017/12/19/1000000000AJP20171219000700882.HTML|url-status=live}} The song re-entered the country's national Gaon Digital Chart at number one, and the compilation album Story Op.2 ranked number seven on the Gaon Album Chart.{{cite news|script-title=ko:[공식입장] 故종현 'Lonely' 가온차트 2관왕, 마지막까지 화려했다|trans-title=The late Jonghyun's Lonely topped two Gaon charts, it was impressive until the end|url=http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G1110804092|work=OSEN|language=ko|last1=Jeong|first1=Jee-won|date=December 29, 2017|access-date=December 29, 2017|archive-date=December 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229112601/http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G1110804092|url-status=live}} His first album She Is charted at number four.{{cite news|script-title=ko:'세계적 아티스트의 유작, 차트재조명 되다' 故 샤이니 종현(JONGHYUN), 51주차 가온차트 주요 분야 점령|trans-title='The legacy of a world-class artist, the chart is re-examined' Shinee's Jonghyun took over major areas of Gaon Chart in the 51st week|url=http://www.rpm9.com/news/article.html?id=20171229090015|work=RPM9|language=ko|last1=Park|first1=Dong-seon|date=December 29, 2017|access-date=December 29, 2017|archive-date=December 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229112606/http://www.rpm9.com/news/article.html?id=20171229090015|url-status=live}} The single and compilation album also ranked number six on Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart and number five on its World Albums Chart.{{cite magazine|title=Jonghyun & Shinee Music Returns to New Highs on the Charts After His Death|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/8085440/jonghyun-shinee-album-songs-return-to-the-charts-2017|magazine=Billboard|last=Benjamin|first=Jeff|date=December 27, 2017|access-date=December 28, 2017|archive-date=December 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228034238/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/8085440/jonghyun-shinee-album-songs-return-to-the-charts-2017|url-status=live}} Moreover, Jonghyun's book Skeleton Flower was re-released and became a bestseller following his death.{{cite news|script-title=ko:[베스트셀러] 故 종현 '산하엽' 재출간 앞두고 1위|trans-title=[Bestseller] The late Jonghyun's 'Skeleton Flower' takes first place ahead of its re-release|url=http://www.newsis.com/view/?id=NISX20180118_0000206808&cID=10701&pID=10700|work=Newsis|language=ko|last=Lee|first=Jae-hoon|date=January 19, 2018|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=July 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710163503/http://www.newsis.com/view/?id=NISX20180118_0000206808&cID=10701&pID=10700|url-status=live}}{{cite news|script-title=ko:故 종현 소설책 베스트셀러 4위 진입...'나의 영어 사춘기' 1위 이어가|trans-title=The late Jonghyun's novel entered the bestseller list in the fourth week... 'My English Puberty' stays at number one|url=http://www.interview365.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=79278|work=Interview 365|language=ko|last1=Lee|first1=Seung-min|date=January 25, 2018|access-date=July 10, 2018|archive-date=July 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710133003/http://www.interview365.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=79278|url-status=live}}

Jonghyun's appearance on the variety show Night Goblin was scheduled to air on December 24, 2017, but JTBC decided not to broadcast it.{{cite news|script-title=ko:'밤도깨비' 측 "故 종현, 촬영분 방송 NO...스페셜로 대체"[공식]|trans-title='Night Goblin': "The late Jonghyun's episode will not be broadcast... Replaced with a special" [Official]|url=https://news.joins.com/article/22225343|work=The Daily Sports|language=ko|last=Hwang|first=So-young|date=December 21, 2017|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=August 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806182252/https://news.joins.com/article/22225343|url-status=live}} Shinee was slated to have a series of concerts in Japan in February 2018, and after discussion,{{cite news|script-title=ko:샤이니 측 "내년 日 공연, 신중히 생각하고 있어"[공식]|trans-title=Shinee: "We're thinking carefully about next year's concert in Japan" [Official]|url=http://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=241&aid=0002740008|via=Naver|work=The Daily Sports|language=ko|last=Kim|first=Jin-seok|date=December 24, 2017|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=December 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225144946/http://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=241&aid=0002740008|url-status=dead}} they decided to hold the concerts as scheduled.{{cite news|script-title=ko:[입장전문] 샤이니, 손편지 공개.."日공연 진행..종현과 함께란 생각"|trans-title=[Full text] Shinee release handwritten letters..."Performance in Japan...I think I will be with Jonghyun"|url=http://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=109&aid=0003694674|via=Naver|work=OSEN|language=ko|last=Lee|first=So-dam|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=January 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109181829/http://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=109&aid=0003694674|url-status=live}}

Many musicians and industry professionals around the world mourned Jonghyun's death. Labelmates Exo,{{cite news|script-title=ja:EXO、日本コンサートでSHINee ジョンヒョンさんを追悼「とても恋しく大好きです...永遠に忘れません」|trans-title=Exo mourns Shinee's Jonghyun at a Japanese concert "I love you so much... I will never forget it"|url=http://news.kstyle.com/article.ksn?articleNo=2084624|work=KStyle News|language=Japanese|date=December 23, 2017|access-date=December 23, 2017|archive-date=December 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224101539/http://news.kstyle.com/article.ksn?articleNo=2084624|url-status=live}} Taeyeon,{{cite news|script-title=ja:少女時代 テヨン、コンサート前にSHINee ジョンヒョンさんを追悼「私の声が聞こえるように歌います」|trans-title=Girls' Generation Taeyeon mourns Shinee's Jonghyun before concert "Sing so you can hear my voice"|url=http://news.kstyle.com/article.ksn?articleNo=2084631|work=KStyle News|language=Japanese|date=December 23, 2017|access-date=December 23, 2017|archive-date=December 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224213531/http://news.kstyle.com/article.ksn?articleNo=2084631|url-status=live}} and TVXQ{{cite news|script-title=ja:東方神起、東京ドーム公演でSHINee ジョンヒョンさんに追悼のメッセージ「彼を忘れないで」|trans-title=TVXQ's message in memory of Shinee's Jonghyun at their Tokyo Dome performance "Don't forget him"|url=http://news.kstyle.com/article.ksn?articleNo=2084534|work=KStyle News|language=Japanese|date=December 22, 2017|access-date=December 23, 2017|archive-date=December 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224101632/http://news.kstyle.com/article.ksn?articleNo=2084534|url-status=live}} paid tribute to him at their concerts. SM Entertainment artists including Exo, Red Velvet, Super Junior, NCT 127, and JYP Entertainment's Got7 attended the year-end music shows wearing black ribbons with an aquamarine-colored "R.I.P. JH" embroidery.{{cite news|script-title=ko:엑소-레드벨벳-NCT127 'R.I.P JH' 故종현 추모|trans-title=Exo, Red Velvet, NCT 127 'R.I.P JH' Late Jonghyun Memorial|url=http://star.hankookilbo.com/#!/home/SVCPost_383236671639552/detail|publisher=Star Korea - Hankook Ilbo|language=ko|date=December 25, 2018|access-date=July 9, 2018|archive-date=July 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708020015/http://star.hankookilbo.com/#!/home/SVCPost_383236671639552/detail|url-status=live}}{{cite news|script-title=ko:[TD포토+] 엑소-레드벨벳-NCT127 '종현 추모하는 가슴팍 검은 리본 R.I.P JH'|trans-title=Exo, Red Velvet, NCT 127 'Black Ribbon RIP JH on the chest in remembrance of Jonghyun'|url=http://tvdaily.asiae.co.kr/read.php3?aid=15142374071309221017|work=TV Daily|language=ko|last1=Ahn|first1=Sung-hoo|date=December 26, 2017|access-date=January 14, 2018|archive-date=January 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105011545/http://tvdaily.asiae.co.kr/read.php3?aid=15142374071309221017|url-status=live}}

MBC Radio planned on holding a special memorial broadcast for Jonghyun's long-running radio show, Blue Night, on December 21, but decided to cancel it due to "the possible social effects of [Jonghyun]'s voice going on air again."{{cite news|script-title=ko:故종현, 라디오로 다시 만난다...'푸른밤' 22일 추모방송|trans-title=The late Jonghyun will be met again on the radio... 'Blue Night' commemorative broadcast on the 22nd|url=http://news.nate.com/view/20171220n33428|via=Nate|work=YTN|language=ko|last=Choi|first=Bo-ran|date=December 20, 2017|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=December 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222231731/http://news.nate.com/view/20171220n33428|url-status=live}} In addition, SM Entertainment commemorated Jonghyun's death with the release of "Dear My Family" as a charity single, posthumously featuring Jonghyun and other artists from the label.{{cite magazine|title=Shinee's Jonghyun Featured Posthumously on SM Entertainment Charity Single 'Dear My Family'|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/8085625/shinee-jonghyun-dear-my-family-song-video|magazine=Billboard|last1=Herman|first1=Tamar|access-date=January 3, 2017|archive-date=December 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231161430/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/8085625/shinee-jonghyun-dear-my-family-song-video|url-status=live}} Moreover, SM Entertainment erected a memorial for Jonghyun at the Coex Artium from January 27 to April 30, 2018.{{cite magazine|title=SM Entertainment Shares New Statement About Shinee's Jonghyun's Memorial|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/sm-entertainment-jonghyun-statement-8448735/|magazine=Billboard|last=Herman|first=Tamar|date=May 2, 2018|access-date=March 27, 2022|archive-date=March 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327222653/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/sm-entertainment-jonghyun-statement-8448735/|url-status=live}}

Jonghyun was the first artist to significantly participate in writing, organizing, and composing an album in SM Entertainment, a company known in the K-pop industry for limiting its artists' control over the production of their albums. Kim Da-hee of The Korea Times named Jonghyun one of four K-pop musicians who have distinguished themselves from the mass-produced singers in the idol industry, the other three being G-Dragon, Zico, and B1A4's Jinyoung, for their "exceptional talent in songwriting, producing and dancing, plus other abilities that make them successful musicians".{{cite news|title=Four K-pop musicians defy 'mass-produced' brand|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2016/04/201_202419.html|work=The Korea Times|last=Kim|first=Da-hee|date=April 12, 2016|access-date=September 10, 2016|archive-date=April 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413223932/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2016/04/201_202419.html|url-status=live}} Jonghyun's musical style was considered to be unique, and he received praise for writing and composing the majority of his solo tracks. Insight Korea mentioned him as one of seven idol group members who seemed to have been "born to make music".{{cite news|script-title=ko:지드래곤의 뒤를 이을 '차세대' 아이돌 작곡가 7인|trans-title=Seven of the 'next generation' idol composers|url=http://insight.co.kr/newsRead.php?ArtNo=114319|work=Insight Korea|last=Lee|first=Da-rae|date=June 28, 2017|access-date=August 11, 2017|archive-date=August 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811103846/http://insight.co.kr/newsRead.php?ArtNo=114319|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Jonghyun discography|List of songs written by Jonghyun}}

{{See also|Shinee discography|SM the Ballad#Discography}}

• She Is (2016)
• Poet {{!}} Artist (2018)

{{see also|Shinee#Filmography}}

• The Story by Jonghyun (2015){{cite news|title=Jonghyun to go live ahead of first solo concert|url=http://www.kpopherald.com/view.php?ud=201510161114486861689_2|work=Kpop Herald|last=Ahn|first=Sung-mi|date=October 16, 2015|access-date=July 18, 2016|archive-date=August 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811140741/http://www.kpopherald.com/view.php?ud=201510161114486861689_2|url-status=live}}
• Jonghyun – X – Inspiration (2016){{cite news|title=Jonghyun Throws His Solo Concerts in Seoul and Busan|url=http://www.bntnews.co.uk/app/news.php?nid=32183|website=BNT News|last=Ahn|first=Woo-rim|date=October 19, 2016|access-date=October 20, 2016|archive-date=October 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161020203639/http://www.bntnews.co.uk/app/news.php?nid=32183|url-status=dead}}
• The Agit (The Letter) (2017)
• Inspired (2017)

{{for|his accolades as a member of Shinee|List of awards and nominations received by Shinee}}

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category|Kim Jong-hyun}}

• {{IMDb name|5057680}}

{{Kim Jong-hyun (singer)}}

{{Navboxes

|list=

{{Shinee}}

{{SM the Ballad}}

{{SM Entertainment}}

{{SM Town}}}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:1990 births

Category:2017 suicides

Category:2017 deaths

Category:Male suicides

Category:South Korean LGBTQ rights activists

Category:Singers from Seoul

Category:South Korean male singer-songwriters

Category:21st-century South Korean singer-songwriters

Category:South Korean radio presenters

Category:South Korean television presenters

Category:South Korean male dancers

Category:Japanese-language singers of South Korea

Category:K-pop singers

Category:South Korean male pop singers

Category:South Korean contemporary R&B singers

Category:South Korean dance music singers

Category:South Korean male idols

Category:SM Entertainment artists

Category:Shinee members

Category:21st-century South Korean male singers

Category:Suicides by carbon monoxide poisoning

Category:Suicides by poison in South Korea