Jonghyun had been active in music since he was in junior high school. He was in a band called ZION and participated in many music festivals in his area. He was the band's bassist. During one of the band's show performance Jonghyun was scouted by SM Entertainment. 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.
Our Season
JongHyun Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
따뜻한 겨울이 다시 돌아왔어
코트에 목도리 스웨터 벙어리 장갑
그런 게 없어도 사실 난 전혀 안 추워
내 곁엔 항상 너 항상 너 곁에 있으니
우리 솔직해져 볼까 내게 실망한 적 있지?
맞아 나도 너에게 상처받았던 적 있지
지금은 그것도 다 추억이 돼줬지만
고마운 마음이 자꾸 많이 남아서
내게 해줬던 그 말이 귓가에 맴돌아서
오늘도 전혀 안 추워 따뜻한 이 겨울엔
내 곁엔 항상 너 항상 너 곁에 있으니
새하얀 입김 또 흩뿌려지고
꽁꽁 언 두 손 주머니 속에 꼭꼭 감춘 채
걸었던 날엔 이런 날 올 줄 정말 몰랐어
마치 꿈속인 것만 같아
다시 돌아온다는 말 참 예쁜 말이지
다시 또 만날 그 날이 약속된 안녕인 거니까
따뜻한 겨울이 나에게 돌아왔듯이
네 맘도 언제나 내 곁을 돌고 있으니
고마운 마음이 자꾸 많이 남아서
내게 해줬던 그 말이 귓가에 맴돌아서
오늘도 전혀 안 추워 따뜻한 이 겨울엔
내 곁엔 항상 너 항상 너 곁에 있으니
있잖아 나 항상 하는 말이지만
입버릇처럼 달고 사는 말이지만
참 고마워 부족한 날 그대로 아껴줘서
덕분에 내 평생이 따뜻해 ooh-whoa, ooh, ooh, ooh
고맙다는 말 꼭 전하고 싶었어
내게 해줬던 그 말 돌려주고 싶었어
오늘도 전혀 안 추워 너와 함께한 겨울
내 곁엔 항상 너 내 옆에 있으니
내 곁엔 항상 너 네가 있으니 ooh, whoa, ooh
The lyrics of JongHyun's song Our Season expresses the feeling of warmth, comfort, and love during the cold winter season with a special person by one's side. The first verse talks about the return of warm winter, where people may wear coats, sweaters, scarfs or gloves, but it does not matter because being with a special person next to us keeps us warm. The second verse urges the idea of being honest about one's feeling towards the other person, even if they may have disappointed or hurt each other in the past. The winter season serves as a metaphorical representation of the past, whereby things have melted away like snow, leaving behind only memories.
The chorus repeats the idea of how grateful the singer is to have the other person by their side, providing warmth and happiness to the singer's life. The bridge and last verse shows the hope for the future, a promise for things to get better as expressed by the phrase 'Our season'. It emphasizes the importance of the relationship between the two people and how much it means to have each other, even if it may only be for a season. The repetition of the phrase '내 곁엔 항상 너' (always by my side) further emphasizes the depth of the connection between the two individuals.
Line by Line Meaning
따뜻한 겨울이 다시 돌아왔어
The warm winter has returned
코트에 목도리 스웨터 벙어리 장갑
Coat, scarf, sweater, gloves
그런 게 없어도 사실 난 전혀 안 추워
Even without those, I'm not cold
내 곁엔 항상 너 항상 너 곁에 있으니
You're always by my side
우리 솔직해져 볼까 내게 실망한 적 있지?
Shall we be honest, have you been disappointed with me before?
맞아 나도 너에게 상처받았던 적 있지
Yes, I have also been hurt by you
따뜻한 겨울에 눈 녹아 사라지듯이
Just like the snow melting away in the warm winter
지금은 그것도 다 추억이 돼줬지만
Now even that has become a memory
고마운 마음이 자꾸 많이 남아서
I'm left with a grateful heart
내게 해줬던 그 말이 귓가에 맴돌아서
The words you said to me keep ringing in my ears
오늘도 전혀 안 추워 따뜻한 이 겨울엔
Today, it's not cold at all, in this warm winter
새하얀 입김 또 흩뿌려지고
My breath scatters like a pure white mist
꽁꽁 언 두 손 주머니 속에 꼭꼭 감춘 채
My hands are tightly hidden in my pockets
걸었던 날엔 이런 날 올 줄 정말 몰랐어
I never knew this kind of day would come when I was out walking
마치 꿈속인 것만 같아
It feels like I'm in a dream
다시 돌아온다는 말 참 예쁜 말이지
The words 'it's coming back' are such beautiful words
다시 또 만날 그 날이 약속된 안녕인 거니까
That's because the day we will meet again is a promised day
네 맘도 언제나 내 곁을 돌고 있으니
Your heart is always by my side too
있잖아 나 항상 하는 말이지만
You know, it's something I always say
입버릇처럼 달고 사는 말이지만
It's a phrase I use so often it's almost like a habit
참 고마워 부족한 날 그대로 아껴줘서
Thank you for cherishing me even though I'm lacking
덕분에 내 평생이 따뜻해
Thanks to you, my life is warm
고맙다는 말 꼭 전하고 싶었어
I just want to say thank you
내게 해줬던 그 말 돌려주고 싶었어
I want to return the words you said to me
오늘도 전혀 안 추워 너와 함께한 겨울
Today, it's not cold at all, in the winter we spent together
내 곁엔 항상 너 내 옆에 있으니
You're always by my side, right next to me
내 곁엔 항상 너 네가 있으니
You're always by my side, you're here
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Hymax, Jin Soh, Jong Hyun Kim
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@UpsRockzGHZ
I think my winter will forever be warm now. I want to say thank u Jonghyun for all the comfort you've provided me all these years, through my adolescence to the cusp of adulthood. Im sorry i couldnt provide u any back, as a mere fan. Im always sorry.
But through this song, i could feel ur gratefulness, whether it be to the ppl u love closely or it be the love u received globally. I think this song expresses both our grateful feelings.
Im always grateful n thankful to hve been born in the same time as u. To experience these beautiful feelings, its the one thing i won't change.
Thank u for everything Kim Jonghyun.
You did well. You've worked hard. The hearts whom you've touched all over the world will always remember u.
I, myself, will always be thinking of u n keeping u close to my heart. 💖💞🌸
@Leo_Henry
[2020 December, 18 KST Time]
[Friday, Morning]
Today marks 3 years since we lost Jonghyun.
It's incredible that as time passes, only memories can fill the place of pain.
Although today still affects us in the same way as 3 years ago, we insist on believing that Jonghyun is in a much better place.
Jonghyun, we're still here... keeping the love for your soul, your music and your legacy.
[ALWAYS BE WITH YOU]
A message written on behalf of all Shawols around the world. 🌹❤️💎
@anneb6639
His lyrics are very simple and meaningful. It's like a conversation with the listener.
@daysjours
Beautifully put. Indeed -- that is why he touches us so deeply.
@jihadul6390
@@daysjours 3:09, saddest part with that beautiful falsetto
@skyofthelivingdead
You know what, you’re absolutely correct. And that’s why he resonates with so many. Like encouraging words from a good friend.
@alicehan5401
This is what Jonghyun is to me rn: Jonghyun is like a cup of warm milk tea after suffering in the bitter cold. I miss him sm. Jonghyun, I hope you'll remain happy until we meet again. Thank you for everything😢
@lostinillusion9056
I've been listening to this song again, Jonghyun. No matter how many times, it still remains to be beautiful and warm-- like the comfort your voice provides. I hope you're doing well.
@drunkinemotionss
🌹
@jannelmaiquez2438
The last verse of the song is so touching and meaningful, thank you Jonghyun for giving it your all, you don't lack anything. To us, you're perfect just the way you are! We love you Jonghyun. I hope you're happy. Rest well.❤
@UpsRockzGHZ
I think my winter will forever be warm now. I want to say thank u Jonghyun for all the comfort you've provided me all these years, through my adolescence to the cusp of adulthood. Im sorry i couldnt provide u any back, as a mere fan. Im always sorry.
But through this song, i could feel ur gratefulness, whether it be to the ppl u love closely or it be the love u received globally. I think this song expresses both our grateful feelings.
Im always grateful n thankful to hve been born in the same time as u. To experience these beautiful feelings, its the one thing i won't change.
Thank u for everything Kim Jonghyun.
You did well. You've worked hard. The hearts whom you've touched all over the world will always remember u.
I, myself, will always be thinking of u n keeping u close to my heart. 💖💞🌸
@alyonashukshina2450
i won't ever be able to thank him enough... our warm winter, our warm eternity.