Kim Jong-hyun

Kim Jong-hyun was born on April 8, 1990, in Seoul, South Korea. He developed an interest in music from a young age and joined a school band in middle school. He was scouted by SM Entertainment in 2005, after performing in a song festival with his band. He debuted as the main vocalist of the boy group SHINee in 2008, and quickly rose to fame as one of the most popular and talented singers in the K-pop industry. He also participated in SM Entertainment's project group, SM the Ballad, and collaborated with various artists. He started his solo career in 2015, with the release of his first EP, Base, which topped the Billboard World Albums Chart and the Gaon Album Chart. He followed it up with a compilation album, Story Op.1, in the same year. His first studio album, She Is, was released in 2016, and his second compilation album, Story Op.2, was released in 2017. He also held several solo concert tours, showcasing his versatility and creativity as an artist. He was praised for his artistic control and involvement in the creation of his music, as well as his vocal skills and emotional expression. He was also a radio host, an author, and an advocate for mental health and social issues. He wrote a book titled Skeleton Flower: Things That Have Been Released and Set Free, which contained his personal stories and song lyrics. He also supported various causes, such as the Sewol Ferry disaster victims, the Comfort Women, and the LGBT community. He was known for his kind and gentle personality, and his close relationships with his family, friends, and fans. He died on December 18, 2017, at the age of 27, after committing suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning. He left a note that revealed his struggle with depression and loneliness. His death shocked and saddened the whole world, and sparked a conversation about the importance of mental health awareness and support. His final album, Poet | Artist, was released posthumously on January 23, 2018, and all the profits were donated to his mother and a charity foundation. His music and legacy continue to inspire and touch many people's lives.