Jonghyun's sister launches mental health counseling program for young artists

Jonghyun of SHINee / Courtesy of SM Entertainment

Kim So-dam speaks about the Shiny Foundation's mental health counseling program for young artists in a video the foundation shared on YouTube. Captured from Shiny Foundation's YouTube account

Kim So-dam, the older sister of late SHINee member Jonghyun, has launched a mental health counseling program for young artists, an initiative of the nonprofit Shiny Foundation, which Jonghyun's family established following his death in 2018.

In a video the foundation shared, Kim said, "After a long time of hiding, I found a way to express what's deep inside me. I believe many people have things they wish to share."

Kim continued, "There is a way to be open about your problems and find peace. I hope to create a space where people can come out of loneliness, be honest about their struggles, and work through them."

Jonghyun, a late member of the popular K-pop group SHINee, died by suicide on Dec. 18, 2017, at the age of 27. He was found unconscious in a hotel in Seoul after his sister contacted the police. He was rushed to a hospital but died shortly after.

Since Jonghyun's death, his family established the foundation and has supported young artists. This is the first time a member of his family has personally taken part in such an initiative.

For more information on the counseling program, visit shiny.or.kr or follow @shiny90408 on social media platforms X, YouTube and Instagram.