Kim So-dam, sister of the late SHINee member Jonghyun, made her first public appearance in a YouTube video announcing a new project aimed at supporting young artists.

Shiny Foundation, a foundation for young cultural and artistic figures, posted a video on its YouTube channel introducing its new psychological counseling initiative on Saturday. The video featured Jonghyun’s sister Kim, who introduced herself as “the secretary general of the Shiny Foundation and Jonghyun’s sister.” This marked her first official public appearance.


“I feel like I’ve been hiding for a long time, unable to come forward,” Kim said, reflecting on her decision to make a public appearance. “But now I’ve found a way to share my thoughts, and that’s why I’ve decided to begin.”

Kim said there are “stories I’ve wanted to share but couldn’t, and I’m sure many of you have experienced similar struggles, suffering in silence. I believe there’s a way for us to overcome these challenges together. Don’t stay trapped in those difficult moments — let’s come out and win them over together.”

Shiny Foundation was founded in September 2018 by the surviving members of Jonghyun’s family, with the singer’s mother standing as the president of the foundation. The organization’s mission is to prevent suicide among artists in Korea, as well as assisting young artists launch their careers.

Jonghyun debuted as a member of SHINee in 2008. He died by suicide in December 2017.


If you or someone you know is feeling emotionally distressed or struggling with thoughts of suicide, LifeLine Korea can be contacted at 1588-9191 or the Crisis Counseling Center at 1577-0199. The Seoul Global Center offers English-language counseling, contact 02-2075-4180 (+1) to arrange a session. Other international helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org.


BY YIM SEUNG-HYE [yim.seunghye@joongang.co.kr]