SHINee's Jonghyun Uses Birthday To Ask Fans To Remember Sewol Ferry Tragedy
Even on his birthday, one Korean idol asked his fans to do some soul searching.
On April 8, SHINee member and solo artist Kim Jonghyun celebrated his 25th birthday. The singer took to Twitter to thank his well-wishers for their birthday messages, and asked them to turn their thoughts towards the nearly 300 people who died on April 16, 2014 when the Sewol Ferry capsized.
The three-messages on Twitter began with Jonghyun's thanks, but turned to the loss life, particularly that of two of victims, students from Danwon High Scohol who had shared a birthday with Jonghyun.
"Being able to share matters of life is something we're all grateful for," tweeted Jonghyun. "Because of this, I have something to say."
"I am sure that no one has forgotten the Sewol tragedy. Among the deceased Danwon High School students, there were two who shared the same birthdate with me. Park Ji Yoon and Kim Kun Woo's birthdays are April 8... Please remember them and send a free text memorial message to #1111. The message will appear on the electronic display at the Ansan memorial altar."
Jonghyun emphasized that he did not know the pair, but that all the victims should be remembered.
"I never talked to these children, nor have I seen them with my own eyes, but my heart is still numb and hurt," the post continued. "They are children who breathed the same air as us. We should never forget them, for the sake of the children and for those left behind."
SHINee's five members have memorialized victims of the Sewol accident before.
In July, SHINee previously drew attention to the birthday of one of the deceased Danwon high School students who had been a fan.
많은분들에게 생일 축하를 받았습니다. 감사합니다. 어떠한 일을 나눈다는건 고마운일인거같아요. 그런 의미에서 전해드리고싶은 이야기가있습니다. 모두 세월호 참사를 잊지않으셨을겁니다. 단원고학생중에도 저와 생일이 같은 친구들이 있었습니다.
— 김종현 (@realjonghyun90) April 8, 2015
박지윤양 김건우군의 생일이 4월8일 입니다. 하루가 지나긴 했지만... #1111로 무료 문자를 보내주시면 안산합동분향소 전광판으로 표시됩니다. 아이들을 기억해 주십시오. — 김종현 (@realjonghyun90) April 8, 2015
말한마디 나누지 못했고 눈한번 바라보지 못한 아이들이지만 전 가슴께가 아직도 저리고 허합니다. 우리와 같은 숨을 쉬었던 아이들입니다. 잊지말아야 합니다. 그아이들을 위해서라도. 남겨진 이들을 위해서라도. 미래를 위해서라도.
— 김종현 (@realjonghyun90) April 8, 2015