SHINee's Key posts rare video of late Jonghyun as group celebrates its 12th debut anniversary
On May 25, 2008, K-pop boy group SHINee composed of Onew, Minho, Jonghyun, Key, and Taemin took the stage with their debut single "Replay."
Now, 12 years later, the members are celebrating their anniversary by posting handwritten messages to their fans on their community page in Lysn.
Despite being in the military, Onew, Minho, and Key made sure to get their message across to Shawols on this special day.
Onew, the group's leader, wrote, "12 years! Those of you who have stayed together with us for 12 years are so full of love. I'm so thankful and I love you.
Meanwhile, Minho wrote, "This is Marine Corporal Choi Minho! Our precious 12th year. I want to stay tied together with you all through this miraculous string. I'm always so thankful. I miss you all a lot and I love you. Also, your health is important! so make sure it's always your first and second priority. I miss you so much! Congratulations on SHINee Day. Salute!"
Key's message read, "I can't believe we've already spent this much time together! I have no idea how often I've thought that I'm so relieved and thankful that I ended up dancing and singing as a career. I hope everyone stays healthy, and let's look forward to the coming days ahead! With love, Key."
Onew is set to be discharged on July 18, Key on October 7, while Minho will follow on November 15.
Taemin, who is currently promoting as a member of SuperM, also didn't forget to show his love to their fans.
He wrote, "Although I'm the only one who's promoting right now, we'll reunite and promote together soon! You all might be living your own lives now, but I hope that you will always keep a spot open for SHINee. I always say this, but the more time passes, the more I realize just how thankful I am for your love and trust! I love you and thank you for gifting SHINee and me with a life where we can receive so much love."
The group's agency, SM Entertainment, even posted a touching tribute to the group titled "Dozen of Years with SHINee - SHINee 12th Anniversary" which features scenes from the group's concert throughout the years.
Remembering Jonghyun
On Instagram, SHINee member Key wrote another personal thank you message to fans featuring an old video of Minho and late member Jonghyun playing rock, paper, scissors.
In it, he captioned, "A dozen years of SHINee. I know it means a lot to you and us. It's been 12 years since we started to promote under this name that makes my heart flutter whenever I hear it. It's all thanks to the love and support of many people.
"There hasn't been a single moment that I want to go back to because I've been living with so much excitement and anticipation, and I know I'll continue to live that way. Today of all days! Shall we remember the past days that made today the most precious?
"I love you so much. Key."
Jonghyun was the main vocalist of SHINee and the first artist to participate in writing, organizing, and composing an album in SM Entertainment.
In December 2017, Jonghyun was found unconscious by the police at a rented apartment in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam District in Seoul. Investigators believed that he died from inhaling toxic fumes as they discovered coal briquettes burnt on a frying pan upon arriving at the apartment. His death was closely linked to depression.
Following his death, SHINee continued as a four-member group and have released a single titled "From Now On," posthumously featuring Jonghyun.
In 2018, they released a three-part Korean album titled "The Story of Light," "I Want You," and "Our Page."
SHINee is considered to be one of the best live vocal groups in K-pop and is known for their highly synchronized and complex dance routines. Their signature musical style is contemporary R&B, but the group is also known for its experimental sound, incorporating genres like funk-rock, hip-hop, and EDM.