As soon as I received the news that Kim Jonghyun died, my brain immediately got back to my high school memories, retaining those times when I was so in love with his group SHINee.
How could I forget Jonghyun? He’s the reason why I have high standards for kpop groups’ vocal line. SHINee was my standard for a gopd kpop group. Beat SHINee’s choreography and I’d like you. Beat their songs and I’d listen to yours. SHINee created a way for me to be a kpop fan; they were one of my foundations. If I have this free time my hand would automatically choose a SHINee playlist on Spotify.
You see, he has a special place in my heart. My body went cold when I found out that he committed suicide. Among all other possibilities of his death, I’d put it at the end of the list. Seeing how he’s all smiles during interviews and shows, and having hilarious tweets that make me laugh every time, it’s hard to think he’s been suffering deep inside.
Why? Probably people kept on asking from him to do better; but I don’t see him as someone who needs improvement in the kind of industry he’s in. In fact, several groups out there look upon him, and on SHINee, as role models, as inspiration. Jjong is talented enough. Why would he be so down and pressured with the demands of other people? On the brighter side, a lot of fans love him to death; and I’m one of them.
This should be a lesson to everyone. Now, an icon, an inspiration; a wonderful man died because of depression. Don’t you think it’s alarming? It just proves that, no matter how famour or rich you can be, either we’re at the top of a gold chest or buried under it, depression can hit us. It can take our lives. We, as human beings, should learn to listen to each other, no matter how big or small our problems can be. All we needed is someone who listens and understands. Someone who could hold our hand, who could loce us, when we feel like loathing ourselves. We can’t be at their shoes at the current time they’re suffering but I believe, one day, we’d be experiencing the same dilemma, and for sure we’d be needing someone who’d support us during the hard times too.
As for Jonghyun, you’re in safe arms now. You’ve fought well, and you may have regretted taking your life, just know that through you, you’ve opened a lot of hearts and minds. Somehow, you’ve left us a part of your regrets; those times when we weren’t paying so much attention when you expressed what you’re feeling through your songs, giving you our full support, for not holding on to you and supporting your skills instead of having these petty demands.
And for everyone who loves Jonghyun, may his death not be gone in vain. Let us not forget that one of our brothers had given up his life just because he felt like no one wants to listen to what he really feels. Let us be more open-minded and help each other in coping up from our downs, so we could make this world less cruel.
