SHINee's Jonghyun contributed to bringing knowledge to critical social issues. Apart from being an incredible musician, singer, songwriter, poet, producer, he was a person who reached people's hearts with his songs and kindness. Over almost a decade, he shone as SHINee's lead vocalist and was a role model to many performers to emerge.
In light of his birthday, April 8, let's commemorate this icon, remember and appreciate the instances he talked about issues that he firmly believed in.
WOMEN
In 2014, the SHINee member spoke via the MBC FM4U Blue Night radio program about the subject of "comfort women."
"I still thought of our grannies who had been abused and forced into sex slaves every year during March 1 by the Japanese Soldiers. I am intrigued to see if there is any plan in our government to solve this matter. I believe there are around 55 survivors left alive and I want to see them happy and contented before they die."
EDUCATION
Jonghyun was never one to remain silent about his views on substantial issues like education, feminism, or sexual minorities. He has shared his opinion in the past about his dissatisfaction with the controversial school reforms initiated by former Korean President Park Geun-Hye.
His tweet talked about the numerous social problems at the time, mainly compulsory textbooks from the state and low birthrates.
"Reduce primary, middle, and high school programs to induce childbirth, to produce government-made textbooks. I would not have the ability to raise the child to become a person with a healthy attitude and a healthy body in this kind of program. It's not that I don't wish to have kids but I am scared to have one."
TELEPHONE BAN LAWS
New legislation was passed in 2013 that prohibited the use of old model wireless home phones starting in January 2014 at that time. They would be punished with penalties up to about USD 2000 for those who violated the rule. Jonghyun, after reading the news, spoke out against this new legislation.
"Wireless phones are banned starting next January. Even a call from one of those phones will result in a huge fine. I'm absolutely stunned. They implement this, as it interferes the LTE Spectrum communication. But then again, 100,000 people use this old phone model. I hope nobody gets punished for not knowing about this new rule."
KOREAN'S MINORITIES
Jonghyun has also been instrumental in focusing attention on minorities in Korea through his online forum. He updated his Twitter display picture in 2013, from a tweet posted by a transgender, bisexual student. This photo has been shared as part of "Are you okay?" movement, which sought to shed some light on Korea's social inequalities.
That particular photo was of the discrimination received by two people for their same-sex wedding and the LGBT community. The SHINee member even sent a response to the message poster to help them and to let them realize he's at a disadvantage to those who don't recognize any differences.
GLOBAL PROBLEMS
Jonghyun has also taken advantage of his profile photos and social platform to highlight problems around the world. Using the image of Benedict Cumberpatch, he embarrassed the press for their lack of exposure to real global issues.
He has also used the anti-Vietnam war flower child for several years as his profile picture, which is still upon his personal Instagram account.
Jonghyun's reputation as a "political icon" has gained both negative and positive media attention. Some felt his experience gave rise to a better personal appearance and changed the traditional K-pop culture. Others claimed he shouldn't be addressing things he doesn't completely understand.
For years now, we are still confronted by the idea of the celebrities crossing lines. Nonetheless, people like Jonghyun, who was confident and had faith in his beliefs, successfully contributed to disseminating awareness and encouraging more personalities to speak out on more pressing matters that impact our modern society.
