The family of the late SHINee member Jonghyun has launched a new psychological counseling program to support young artists, aiming to address the mental health challenges faced by those in creative fields. The project is being managed through the Shiny Foundation, which was established in Jonghyun’s memory after his passing in 2017.
On Saturday, the Shiny Foundation officially introduced the Youth Meetup program, which is designed to promote mental well-being among artists aged 20 to 39. The program offers a safe space for participants from various artistic fields such as music, dance, acting, visual arts, media, and literature to share their struggles and seek guidance from peers and professional counselors. The announcement was made through the foundation’s social media platforms, along with a video message from Jonghyun’s sister, Kim So-dam, who serves as a director of the foundation.
In her first public appearance, Kim So-dam addressed the public, stating, "This is my first formal greeting in front of the camera. I felt as though I had been hiding and couldn’t come forward, but now I feel ready to speak publicly.” She further explained the motivation behind the Youth Meetup program, adding, "I know there are struggles many of you have wanted to share but felt you couldn’t. There’s a way to overcome these challenges, and you don’t have to face them alone. I hope we can come together to break free from those difficult moments."
The program is designed to help prevent psychological burnout, which is a common issue among young artists who face intense pressure in their creative careers. By providing professional counseling and peer support, the initiative aims to help artists maintain their mental well-being while pursuing their artistic ambitions.
Jonghyun tragically took his own life in December 2017 at the age of 27, after a successful career as a singer-songwriter in SHINee, one of Korea’s most popular K-pop groups. His death sparked a widespread discussion about mental health in the entertainment industry, particularly regarding the pressures faced by young artists. In response to this, his family established the Shiny Foundation in 2018, using royalties from Jonghyun’s music to fund the foundation’s work. Since its inception, the foundation has focused on supporting the growth and well-being of young artists, offering financial aid and emergency assistance to those in need.
The Youth Meetup program is part of the foundation's broader mission to address the mental health issues that many young artists experience. By creating a platform for open discussion and offering access to professional help, the foundation hopes to provide a sustainable way for artists to navigate their careers while maintaining their mental health.
Kim So-dam expressed her hopes for the program, stating, "Jonghyun faced many difficulties and understood the struggles of artists. Just as many were comforted by the messages he left behind, I hope this project will help others who are going through difficult times."
The Shiny Foundation continues to expand its initiatives to support young artists, ensuring that they have access to resources that can help them lead healthy and creative lives.
Sayart / Nao Yim, yimnao@naver.com
Jonghyun, Courtesy of Esquire
The family of the late SHINee member Jonghyun has launched a new psychological counseling program to support young artists, aiming to address the mental health challenges faced by those in creative fields. The project is being managed through the Shiny Foundation, which was established in Jonghyun’s memory after his passing in 2017.
On Saturday, the Shiny Foundation officially introduced the Youth Meetup program, which is designed to promote mental well-being among artists aged 20 to 39. The program offers a safe space for participants from various artistic fields such as music, dance, acting, visual arts, media, and literature to share their struggles and seek guidance from peers and professional counselors. The announcement was made through the foundation’s social media platforms, along with a video message from Jonghyun’s sister, Kim So-dam, who serves as a director of the foundation.
In her first public appearance, Kim So-dam addressed the public, stating, "This is my first formal greeting in front of the camera. I felt as though I had been hiding and couldn’t come forward, but now I feel ready to speak publicly.” She further explained the motivation behind the Youth Meetup program, adding, "I know there are struggles many of you have wanted to share but felt you couldn’t. There’s a way to overcome these challenges, and you don’t have to face them alone. I hope we can come together to break free from those difficult moments."
The program is designed to help prevent psychological burnout, which is a common issue among young artists who face intense pressure in their creative careers. By providing professional counseling and peer support, the initiative aims to help artists maintain their mental well-being while pursuing their artistic ambitions.
Jonghyun tragically took his own life in December 2017 at the age of 27, after a successful career as a singer-songwriter in SHINee, one of Korea’s most popular K-pop groups. His death sparked a widespread discussion about mental health in the entertainment industry, particularly regarding the pressures faced by young artists. In response to this, his family established the Shiny Foundation in 2018, using royalties from Jonghyun’s music to fund the foundation’s work. Since its inception, the foundation has focused on supporting the growth and well-being of young artists, offering financial aid and emergency assistance to those in need.
The Youth Meetup program is part of the foundation's broader mission to address the mental health issues that many young artists experience. By creating a platform for open discussion and offering access to professional help, the foundation hopes to provide a sustainable way for artists to navigate their careers while maintaining their mental health.
Kim So-dam expressed her hopes for the program, stating, "Jonghyun faced many difficulties and understood the struggles of artists. Just as many were comforted by the messages he left behind, I hope this project will help others who are going through difficult times."
The Shiny Foundation continues to expand its initiatives to support young artists, ensuring that they have access to resources that can help them lead healthy and creative lives.
