18/12/2017. It seems selfish to claim any ownership over the grief of Jonghyun’s death, but I do feel incredibly sad. Music has an amazing, unique power to connect you to different times, people and events in your life. Jonghyun’s contribution to music helped me through many different hardships, always made me smile, and allowed me to meet some of the greatest people all around the world. I have fond memories of sharing my headphones with friends at school, enjoying his music and being able to share a love of something with those close to me. These are precious memories that I will always be grateful for.
I hope that this incident is not going to be swept under the rug like so many others are in South Korea. It is absolutely vital that this opens a discussion on mental health, not only in South Korean society on the whole, but especially for those in the entertainment industry. There is no other place in the world where performers are held so accountable to their fans; where there is such a strong connection between what the fans demand, and what the artist must therefore do. No one should ever have to sacrifice their happiness for someone else’s. I hope that Jonghyun’s struggle can bring attention to the need for support and structure for Korean idols so that their wellbeing and happiness is not completely overlooked in favour of making money.
I hope Jonghyun is at peace, and I want to thank him for the role he had in my life, and millions of others’. I will never forget you.
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