Kim Jong-hyun joined the 27 club on December 18, 2017. The cause of death is recorded as: Suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning
Kim Jong-hyun, born on April 8, 1990, was a renowned South Korean singer-songwriter, record producer, radio host, and author under the SM Entertainment label. He was best known for being the vocalist of the South Korean boy band Shinee, with whom he released twelve albums in both Korean and Japanese. Jonghyun's contributions to Shinee extended beyond just vocals; he also wrote lyrics for the group, starting with their fourth Korean single "Juliette" in 2009.
Jonghyun's musical career began when he was scouted by SM Entertainment at the age of 15 in 2005. He debuted as a member of Shinee on May 25, 2008, and quickly became recognized for his exceptional vocal abilities. In addition to his work with Shinee, Jonghyun participated in various collaborative projects. In 2010, he was part of the project group SM the Ballad, which released the EP "Miss You." Jonghyun also made appearances on television shows like "Immortal Songs: Singing the Legend," where he showcased his impressive vocal skills and songwriting abilities.
Jonghyun's solo career took off in 2015 with the release of his first EP album, "Base." This album was a critical and commercial success, reaching number one on both the Billboard World Albums Chart and the Gaon Album Chart. He continued to release more albums, including his debut studio album, "She Is," and two compilation albums, "Story Op.1" and "Story Op.2." Jonghyun's musical talents were not limited to singing; he was also an accomplished songwriter and record producer.
Jonghyun's legacy extends beyond his impressive musical accomplishments. He was known for his artistic control and involvement in the creation of his music, which set him apart from many other artists in the industry. Tragically, Jonghyun took his own life on December 18, 2017. After his death, all profits from his final album, "Poet | Artist," were given to his mother and used to start a charity foundation, the Shiny Foundation, which helps struggling young artists. Jonghyun's impact on the South Korean music industry continues to be felt, and his memory is kept alive through his music and the foundation established in his name.