Yeri, who was Jonghyun's close friend, breaks down in tears after IU delivers a heartfelt speech about the late SHINee member.
- Jan 11, 2018
AceShowbiz - Red Velvet's Yeri is still mourning the death of Jonghyun. The 18-year-old singer, whose real name is Kim Yerin, couldn't hold back her tears when IU paid tribute to the late SHINee member at the 32nd Golden Disc Awards.
On January 10, the first day of the ceremony, IU was awarded the Digital Daesang. During her speech, she remembered Jonghyun as saying, "Honestly, I'm still sad. As a person, as a friend, and as a musician, I had to let go of someone who I deeply admired. I think I understand why he was struggling and having a hard time. I'm still deeply sad because I'm also aware of those feelings and I feel sorry."
She also delivered a heartwarming message for fellow artists, "I believe many are in sorrow. But everyone is so busy. They're people who have to continue planning for the next month, for the next year, so it's also unfortunate and sad that they can't even embrace the sadness."
"As being an artist is a job that gives encouragement to others, I hope we also take the time to look back on ourselves and encourage one another," she continued. "I hope there isn't anyone who becomes more hurt while trying not to show (their sadness)."
Following her speech, IU had an encore performance of "Through the Night", during which all the artists, including Red Velvet, Wanna One, Twice and BTS (Bangtan Boys), joined her onstage. Yeri, who was close to her senior Jonghyun, was seen breaking down in tears and being comforted by her groupmates.
Yeri was also spotted crying at Jonghyun's funeral on December 21. He tragically passed away at 27 years old after being found unconscious in a residential hotel on December 18. Police believe he died from inhaling toxic fumes as they found coal briquettes burnt on a frying pan upon arriving at the place. In a final text message he sent to his sister, the idol reportedly wrote, "It's been hard. Let me go. Tell me I've worked hard. This is my farewell."
