Could there be a more meaningful gift for the fandom that has supported them for 17 years? The remaining members sang the songs that the members, who are now stars, wrote while they were alive, breathing new life into them.The group SHINee.

SHINee is making headlines for celebrating their 17th debut anniversary by releasing an unreleased song that the late member Jonghyun wrote himself while he was alive.It’s called ‘poet | artist’.

‘Poet|Artist’ is a song written and composed by the late Jonghyun, who passed away in December 2017.It was in an unfinished state with only Jonghyun’s singing remaining, called the ‘guide version’.

According to SM Entertainment, SHINee’s agency, Key, Minho, Onew, and Taemin each sang their own parts based on the poem left by Jonghyun, creating a song with all five members.

SHINee’s new song ‘Poet|Artist’, sung by the ‘full five members’ for the first time in eight years, was first revealed live at their 17th debut anniversary concert ‘SHINee World VII’ held at the K-POP Dome in Seoul.The members said, “After much discussion, we decided to include Jonghyun’s voice,” and “It was a special feeling to be together as all five of us after such a long time.” The concert was held for three days from the 23rd to the 25th, with ‘all tickets sold out.’

‘Poet|Artist’ is evaluated as a song that highlights Jonghyun’s unique sensibility.On SNS and online communities, there are many reviews saying that, like the song title, Jonghyun fiercely contemplates his identity as a poet and artist and expresses it delicately.

K-pop fans, including SHINee’s global fandom ‘SHINee World’, are showing enthusiastic responses such as “It feels like Jonghyun is with them” and “It really feels like the full group is back.” SHINee’s ‘Poet|Artist’ featuring Jonghyun was released on the 26th.

Even after 8 years since Jonghyun’s unfortunate death, SHINee is still promoting as a ‘four-member group’ in memory of the deceased.Inside and outside the industry, the release of this new song is said to be a result of the members ‘determination to always be with Jonghyun, and is an opportunity to shed new light on the deceased’s musical world, making it all the more meaningful.

Jonghyun also participated in the production of SHINee’s mega hit songs, such as ‘Juliet’ and ‘View’, while he was still alive.


Reporter Yang Ju- juyeon@donga.com

This article is automatically translated using Google AI. If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know at allkstar@donga.com.