Key Once Considered Leaving SHINee After Losing Jonghyun Who Passed Away at the Age of 27

Key from SHINee recently revealed that he had thought about leaving the group after Jonghyun's departure. In an emotional interview on the show You Quiz on the Block on February 12, 2025, Key spoke about how the loss of his best friend deeply shook him.

In that episode, Key appeared with his mother, Kim Sun Hee, and shared his personal experiences regarding that difficult moment. He recounted feeling shattered and considering giving up on everything.

However, amidst the profound sadness, Key and the other SHINee members tried to find ways to continue their journey as a group. One turning point for them was the concert at Tokyo Dome, which became an important moment to remember and honor Jonghyun.

1. The Shock After Jonghyun's Departure

Key Once Considered Leaving SHINee After Losing Jonghyun, Who Died at 27 (credit: instagram/bumkeyk)

When talking about Jonghyun's departure, Key admitted to going through difficult times that made him question the meaning of life. He said, "At that time, I was really shaken. I wondered what the meaning of life was in a reckless way. I even thought about quitting everything."

The deep sadness almost made him give up his career in the entertainment world. However, the immense feeling of loss made him appreciate his time with the other SHINee members even more.

2. Tokyo Dome Concert as a Turning Point

Key Once Considered Leaving SHINee After Losing Jonghyun Who Passed Away at the Age of 27 (credit: instagram/bumkeyk)

Despite being in an emotionally unstable condition, Key and the other SHINee members chose to continue the concert at Tokyo Dome as a final tribute to Jonghyun.

He conveyed that the concert was an important moment for them to face reality together. "If we didn't have the chance to remember him as a group, it would be too difficult to move forward. That was our way of sending him off" his short but brilliant youth."

3. Memories That Never Fade

Key Once Considered Leaving SHINee After Losing Jonghyun Who Passed Away at the Age of 27 (credit: instagram/bumkeyk)

As time goes by, Key admits that the feeling of loss for Jonghyun never truly disappears. He often remembers his friend during various important moments, such as birthdays or SHINee's anniversaries.

In fact, when they get a new song, he often imagines how Jonghyun's voice would sound if he could still participate. "He often appears in my dreams while I’m practicing. Not as a sign or a specific message, but just sitting there during concert meetings or rehearsals. We are always five. And it will always be like that."

4. Difficult Moments and the Struggle to Survive

Key Once Considered Leaving SHINee After Losing Jonghyun Who Passed Away at the Age of 27 (credit: instagram/bumkeyk)

After going through a difficult mourning period, Key finally decided to stay with SHINee. This decision was certainly not easy, considering the significant impact Jonghyun's departure had on him and the other members.

However, he realized that SHINee is not just a music group, but also a family. The journey they have traveled together is the main reason for Key to hold on despite being haunted by the feeling of loss.

5. SHINee Remains Five in the Hearts of the Members

Key concluded his remarks by stating that for him and the other SHINee members, Jonghyun will always be a part of the group. His presence is still felt in every moment they share, both on stage and off.

His statement reflects the depth of their bond as a group. No matter how much time has passed, SHINee will always remember and honor Jonghyun in every step they take.

6. Why did Key almost leave SHINee after Jonghyun's passing?

Key felt very shaken after losing Jonghyun and even questioned the meaning of his life. The deep sorrow made him consider leaving the entertainment world.

7. How did Key rise from the sadness after losing Jonghyun?

Key found strength through his time with the other SHINee members and decided to continue their journey as a group. The Tokyo Dome concert became an important turning point for him.

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(kpl/sjn)