It’s been almost four months since the K-Pop industry and SHINee lost Kim Jonghyun. His level of artistry was remarkable among idols, especially because of his four self-composed and very candid solo albums. Even with his many distinguished accomplishments in mind, many fans would argue that the loss of Kim Jonghyun as a person far outweighs the loss of his talent.
SHINee fans know Jonghyun as a sensitive and creative guy who was brave enough to share his thoughts even when they were controversial; on many occasions he even revealed his vulnerable side. Fans who have followed him closely could see how he was humble and sympathetic when interacting with others. It’s hard to get to see these sides of an idol while he or she is working in front of the camera, but the public had a very unique opportunity to perceive Jonghyun’s heart during his three year stint as a DJ for MBC’s Blue Night radio show.
Blue Night was a veritable gold mine of cherished moments with Jonghyun. Quite often, Jonghyun would share little anecdotes and insights during his late-night radio broadcasts. He would also listen to the stories of listeners and respond to them in a validating and compassionate way. He would offer wisdom from his own life experience to people in the listening audience that were struggling and even had a corner in which he shared songs that he composed specifically for the Blue Night audience, many of them directly inspired by stories submitted by the listeners. Even his title track from Story Op. 1 collection album, “End of a Day,” was specifically addressed to his listeners, to comfort people who worked hard and returned home feeling drained.
April 8 is Jonghyun’s birthday. He would’ve been 28 years old. On this day of reflection, we cherish the memories we created together through English translations of his Blue Night radio show. They reflect Jonghyun’s deep thoughts, the nature of his personality, and also offer a little insight into the struggle he faced while battling with depression and hardships. Through these memories, we have something we can always remember him by.
(Many thanks to the dedicated fans who faithfully listened to Blue Night regularly and provided these translations through twitter: @cosmicsticks, @thatcoolcatmeow, @sullaem)
ほんとにどれだけの人に
愛されてるんだろう。
もうすぐあなたの、
お誕生日がくるね☺ pic.twitter.com/LEcFZsSqnS— ジョンミ♡ (@kimjyonmi) April 6, 2018
October 29, 2014
So, let me ask a question: what should we do in order to be happy? Most people would think that it’s when good things happen to them, but as good things keep happening, then wouldn’t the satisfaction become lesser? … The way to be happy, could just be to have lesser wants.
(translation: @cosmicsticks)
May 12, 2015
Although saying ‘cheer up, you will be able to carry on living in this difficult world’ is important, we need realistic words too. I thought that for words of comfort, giving comfort for the present is better than giving comfort for the future.
(translation: @cosmicsticks)
August 25, 2015
My mood is greatly affected by the season. I feel really thankful when people around me try to cheer me up, rather than to criticize me during those times. I’ve tended to get very depressed during autumn and winter since childhood. My mom would take care of me (back then) by making me my favorite foods rather than asking me what was wrong.
(source: thatcoolcatmeow)
August 30, 2015
I think it’s okay to feel lost in your life. I think it’s okay not to reach that final goal (in your life). You may earn things while being lost or could make something out of it through the emotions you feel. I think it should be your judgement. You don’t have to make someone else judge the satisfaction of your life. I hope that you don’t feel too anxious about feeling lost in your life.
(source: thatcoolcatmeow)
September 29, 2015
I think it’s okay to feel lost in your life. I think it’s okay not to reach that final goal (in your life). You may earn things while being lost or could make something out of it through the emotions you feel. I think it should be your judgement. You don’t have to make someone else judge the satisfaction of your life. I hope that you don’t feel too anxious about feeling lost in your life.
(source: thatcoolcatmeow)
September 29, 2015
I think I’ve become more sensitive. I’ve been crying often. Maybe it’s because it’s autumn? I’ve been watching programs with little kids in (them a lot lately) and, even though they aren’t my kids, when I watch them saying “daddy~ please eat a lot,” I feel like there’s a lump in my throat. In the future, when I have my own kids, whatever they say or do, I think I will cry because I would be so proud of them. I want to cry even by looking at other kids (sometimes) so I’ve wondered how I would feel if they were my kids. However, on the other hand, I also worry whether or not I can even marry (someday).
(source: thatcoolcatmeow)
October 7, 2015
Jonghyun: I was messaging my sister. My sister just said ‘I love you’ and I really dislike the phrase ‘me too,’ so I just sent her ‘I love you.’ I sent it, then we joked around and she wanted to hear me say it in my voice so I sent her a voice message saying ‘i love you’ too.
Go Young Bae: Do you say “i love you”? even to your sister?
Jonghyun: Yes, saying “I love you” is not a weird thing to say between people who love each other.
(source: cosmicsticks / thatcoolcatmeow)
October 15, 2015
*Jonghyun received a letter from a fan with synesthesia one night. This interaction later became the inspiration for the lyrics to SHINee’s comeback single “View.” Jonghyun spoke with the girl, known as ‘J,’ on the phone about what she sees when she hears his voice. She said that she perceived his voice as a golden color.*
So you see my voice as the color of gold. How difficult it must be to bear, really… I get the feeling that it would be confusing to hear many people’s voices and perceive them as colors. And it seems like you avoid those kinds of places because it’s hard to bear, and that you normally try to shut those sounds out a bit. I’m so happy that I can give strength to someone like you through radio, and I hope that, at least during the time you’re listening to the radio, you’ll feel comfortable and your day will end glittering with gold.
(source: sullaem)
February 4, 2016
I think the best thing to do in your early twenties is have a romantic relationship. I don’t know why. (pause) No, not romantic relation, but being in love; it doesn’t matter if it’s one-sided. To be able to love someone wholly.
It doesn’t have to be a person; it can be an animal too, even your dog. I came back to Korea after a long while and my dog welcomed me so passionately; I felt that she really loves me. I think it’s good to immerse yourself fully into loving something or someone.
(source: thatcoolcatmeow)
March 30, 2016
Would there be anyone who hasn’t experienced one-sided love? I don’t think so. I experience one-sided love very often; to the point where I think I like it. I think a one-sided love is a sort of happiness too. The fact that you’re loving someone … there are many people who cannot love (or find it hard to love). I think it’s a happy situation, although you may feel sad or a heartache because of it. It’s a part of a growing process and a good experience in life.
(source: thatcoolcatmeow)
March 31, 2016
If you tear up, then just cry. How is there such a thing like: “something to cry over” or “nothing to cry over”.
(source: cosmicsticks)
November 16, 2016
“Nevertheless” — this is something that I say in real life, you know? It’s a saying my friend group, including myself, uses a lot. It shows you’re acknowledging that the situation isn’t good. I think I say “nevertheless, I have to do [x]” in order to turn it into a positive situation.
(source: sullaem)
March 16, 2017
I’m someone who is a little gloomy. I’m someone who shows this side of myself rather than to hide it and I think that’s okay. If there are some people who are bright and chirpy then, surely, there are people who are gloomy and melancholic too. This is something that a fan told me once: even if you were to keep showing how hard of a time you’re having rather than try to hide it … You express it as the seasons in you. I think that’s fine too, to always stay in your winter. Though I don’t know why you keep looking on the bright side in order to bring out the spring in you. […] One can’t be bright three hundred sixty five days per year. Being bright and happy three hundred sixty five days a year is kind of an illness in itself, isn’t it? Humans have to have emotional ups and downs.
(translation: cosmicsticks)
Despite the personal darkness that he carried, Jonghyun represented a wealth of strength and inspiration throughout his shinin’ career.
Do you have a favorite quote from Jonghyun? Share it with our fan community on our Jonghyun Facebook post. We are also giving away two Jonghyun album + poster sets — share any quote that you like to enter here.
This article is written by Haley A.
