Jonghyun has been active in music since he was in junior high school. He was in a band and participated in many festivals in his area. In his band, he was not a vocalist but a bassist. The band's name was "ZION" and during one of its shows, he was scouted by SM. Before his debut with SHINee, he sang a duet with Zhang Li Yin in the song “交错的爱 (Wrongly Given Love)” for her Chinese album.
Jonghyun was discovered at the 2005 S.M. Casting System. In 2008, he was chosen as a member of the group Shinee, the 5-member boy group debuted on May 25, 2008 on SBS's Inkigayo.
In November 2010, it was revealed by SM Entertainment that Jonghyun, along with TRAX’s Jay, Super Junior’s Kyuhyun, and rookie singer, Jino, had formed a project group, S.M. The Ballad, under their label. The group focuses more on ballad rather than pop and R&B themes. The group released their debut album, "너무 그리워 (Miss You)", on November 29, 2010. They debuted on November 28, 2010 on SBS's Inkigayo with their lead single, "너무 그리워 (Miss You)". They also promoted another single from the album, "Hot Times (시험하지 말기)".
In February 4, 2014, SM Entertainment revealed that SM The Ballad will make a comeback with new members, Jonghyun being the only one from the original formation. It was later revealed that he would be singing, together with Girls' Generation's Taeyeon, the title track of the new album, "숨소리 (Breath)".
In October 2010, Jonghyun was one of twenty idols from various South Korean groups that recorded the song, "Let's Go," for the purpose of increasing public participation in the 2010 G-20 Seoul summit. He provided vocals along with label-mates Sungmin, Seohyun and Luna.
In the 4th mini album "Sherlock", Jonghyun had written the two songs "늘 그자리에 (Honesty)" and "알람시계 (Alarm Clock)". The song "Honesty" is written to give thanks to their fans who have stayed by their side with unchanging love until now. The other song, "Alarm Clock" which is also co-written with fellow member Minho, is about wishing to wake up from a nightmare of past break-up. He also wrote for multiple SHINee songs including "너와 나의 거리 (Selene 6.23)" (album "The Misconceptions of Us") and "상사병 (Symptoms)" (album "Everybody"). Jonghyun fully composed the collaboration track with IU, "Gloomy Clock" in IU's 3rd album "Modern Times". He also fully composed, wrote and lead the vocal direction for Son Dam Bi's digital single, "Red Candle". Not only did Jonghyun compose and write the song, he also took part in the vocal directing. The lyrics relate the characteristics of a candle to someone in love, who feels excited and nervous at the same time.
As a DJ for MBC FM4U's midnight radio show "Blue Night" Jonghyun has revealed his newly written songs on his radio show which he has prepared for a special corner called "Blue Night Lyrics, That Man's Composition". Back in June, DJ Jonghyun tweeted: “As I started Blue Night, I contemplated on how to incorporate myself well into the program… As expected, the conclusion is communicating with listeners and music! That’s why I have prepared a project where I personally write a song pertaining to a listener’s story and let you hear it. The name of the corner is ‘Blue Night Lyrics, That Man Composition’. It won’t be aired every week, but it will be aired once every few months as a special corner, so please send in a lot of stories. I’m accepting stories through the homepage.”
MBC FM4U have revealed starting from July 7th, they will be releasing the self-composed and self-written songs of Jonghyun. Furthermore it was stated that Jonghyun has written a total of 7 songs and that they will be revealed succession over several weeks.
On December 18th, 2017, Jonghyun was found in his apartment unconscious after what evidence has pointed out was most likely a suicide attempt. He passed away while emergency services were transporting him to the hospital.
1000
종현 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
하나 둘 셋 또 하루가 금세 지나가
하나 둘 셋 또 내일이 코앞에 와서
내 어깰 짓눌러 그림자를 붙들어
편히 쉴 곳이 난 필요한 듯해
아마도 너와 난
분명 만났을 거야
시간이 꽤 지났지만 처음과 다르진 않아
여전해 난 복받은 사람이야
그대 날 안아줘 내 어깨에 기대줘
단단히 날 믿어줘 넌 알잖아?
말 안 해도 안다는 말
가슴 뭉클한 말인 건 맞지만
다 알아도 말해줘
시간은 참 빨라서
어색하기만 하던 나도 변했어
참 웃겼어
작은 실수에도 안절부절못하던 내 모습도
웃으며 기다려 준 것도 너뿐이야
난 참 운도 좋아
아마도 너와 난
꼭 그때가 아니었더라도 너와 난
분명 만났을 거야
시간이 꽤 지났지만 처음과 다르진 않아
여전해 난 복받은 사람이야
그대 날 안아줘 내 어깨에 기대줘
단단히 날 믿어줘 넌 알잖아?
말 안 해도 안다는 말
가슴 뭉클한 말인 건 맞지만
다 알아도 말해줘
항상 난 숫자나 뭐 날짜 같은 거
생일 기념일 그런 건 신경 안 쓴다고 했지만
그래도 오늘 누가 봐도 축하받을 날이잖아
그렇잖아
그대 날 안아줘 내 어깨에 기대줘
단단히 날 믿어줘 넌 알잖아?
말 안 해도 안다는 말
가슴 뭉클한 말인 건 맞지만
날 믿는다 말해줘
The lyrics of Jonghyun's song "1000" depict the passage of time and the realization of love and gratitude. The song begins with the repetition of "no no no," suggesting a dismissal of any negative thoughts or doubts. The phrase "하나 둘 셋 또 하루가 금세 지나가" (One, two, three, another day passes quickly) highlights how time flies by without notice. It emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and the importance of finding a place to rest.
The lyrics further express the idea that even if the timing may not have been perfect, the singer and the person they are singing to were destined to meet. Despite the passage of time, their connection remains unchanged and the singer feels blessed to have them in their life. The lines "그대 날 안아줘 내 어깨에 기대줘" (Hold me in your arms, lean on my shoulder) convey a desire for emotional support and stability in their relationship.
The song acknowledges that time has changed both the singer and their relationship. The line "시간은 참 빨라서 어색하기만 하던 나도 변했어" (Time passes so quickly, even I have changed from feeling awkward) shows personal growth and the ability to laugh at oneself. The singer appreciates their partner's patience and acceptance of their imperfections, highlighting how their presence has brought positivity and happiness into their life.
The lyrics also touch on the concept of unspoken understanding between two individuals. The phrase "말 안 해도 안다는 말" (Words unspoken but understood) suggests a deep level of emotional connection where words are not necessary to convey feelings. However, the singer voices their longing for their partner to verbally express their love and trust, reinforcing the importance of open communication.
Lastly, the song acknowledges the significance of special moments and occasions. Although the singer claims to not pay much attention to numbers or dates, they acknowledge the significance of the present moment being a day worth celebrating. It underscores the idea that love should be cherished and celebrated, even in the smallest of moments.
In summary, "1000" by Jonghyun explores themes of time passing quickly, the strength of love and connection, the growth and change in a relationship, unspoken understanding, and the significance of special moments. It portrays a heartfelt expression of love, gratitude, and the desire for verbal confirmation of trust and belief in one another.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh yeah, no no no no no
This line expresses a playful refusal or rejection, indicating a strong negative response or disagreement.
하나 둘 셋 또 하루가 금세 지나가
As each number passes by, it symbolizes the quick passage of time, indicating that days go by quickly and effortlessly.
하나 둘 셋 또 내일이 코앞에 와서
As each number passes by, it signifies the arrival of tomorrow, indicating that time is progressing and tomorrow is approaching rapidly.
내 어깰 짓눌러 그림자를 붙들어
It describes the feeling of burden or pressure on one's shoulders, metaphorically representing the weight of responsibilities and the need to hold onto one's shadow.
편히 쉴 곳이 난 필요한 듯해
The artist feels the need for a comfortable resting place, implying a desire for a safe haven or a peaceful environment.
아마도 너와 난
Probably, the singer and the listener are being referred to here.
꼭 그때가 아니었더라도 너와 난
Even if it wasn't precisely at that time, the singer and the listener definitely met.
분명 만났을 거야
They must have met without a doubt.
시간이 꽤 지났지만 처음과 다르진 않아
Although a considerable amount of time has passed, things haven't significantly changed from the beginning.
여전해 난 복받은 사람이야
The artist remains lucky and blessed, emphasizing their gratitude for the fortunate circumstances they find themselves in.
그대 날 안아줘 내 어깨에 기대줘
The singer requests for the listener to embrace and lean on them, indicating a need for support and comfort.
단단히 날 믿어줘 넌 알잖아?
They ask the listener to believe in them firmly, acknowledging that the listener knows them well enough to trust them.
말 안 해도 안다는 말
They say that actions speak louder than words, implying that they understand each other's thoughts and feelings without explicitly stating them.
가슴 뭉클한 말인 건 맞지만
The phrase is acknowledging that the words may be sentimental or touching, but it reflects the genuine emotions from the heart.
다 알아도 말해줘
Although they may already know, the singer requests the listener to still tell them.
시간은 참 빨라서
Time passes quickly, emphasizing its rapid and unstoppable nature.
어색하기만 하던 나도 변했어
Even the artist, who used to be awkward, has changed and grown.
참 웃겼어
It was truly amusing, expressing amusement or laughter at a particular situation or memory.
작은 실수에도 안절부절못하던 내 모습도
Even their previous inability to handle small mistakes is mentioned here, indicating personal growth and improvement.
웃으며 기다려 준 것도 너뿐이야
The artist acknowledges that only the listener has waited for them with a smile, highlighting the listener's unwavering support and patience.
난 참 운도 좋아
The artist expresses how fortunate they feel about their own luck or fortune.
항상 난 숫자나 뭐 날짜 같은 거
The artist typically doesn't pay attention to things like numbers or dates, indicating a disregard for formalities or traditional ways of measuring time.
생일 기념일 그런 건 신경 안 쓴다고 했지만
Although they claimed not to care about things like birthdays or anniversaries, the singer contradicts themselves here.
그래도 오늘 누가 봐도 축하받을 날이잖아
Nevertheless, today is a day to be congratulated or celebrated, no matter how anyone looks at it.
그렇잖아
That's how it is, indicating an agreement or affirmation of the previous statement.
날 믿는다 말해줘
The singer asks the listener to say that they believe in them, seeking reassurance and validation of their trust in the listener.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jin Soh, Jong Hyun Kim
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind