KUALA LUMPUR: The K-Pop scene certainly has a very devoted fan base.
But it seems that the new year has started off in bad taste for loyal followers of Jonghyun, the deceased member of popular music group Shinee.
According to Koreaboo yesterday, the music outfit’s agency, SM Entertainment, had excluded the idol’s birthday date on Shinee’s official schedule for 2019.
Apparently, when SM Town began taking pre-orders last November for the popular group’s season’s greetings 2019 package, fans were also upset that Jonghyun’s name had been left out as well.
Many fans took to social media to express their outrage.
On Twitter, one irate fan wrote, “It’s like (they’re) not acknowledging him.”
Another Netizen’s post read: “While the other members’ birthdays were indicated on the official schedule…”
While some other fans had cooler heads, more sensitive souls took the omission as a sign of complete disrespect.
“I am beyond angry, I don’t even have any words anymore. SM will continue to ignore Jonghyun all they want. No birthday. No congrats on the awards but whatever. Shawols (Shinee fans as they're known) have shown him more love than SM ever have and will,” wrote a disappointed fan.
Jonghyun, whose birthday falls on April 8, died at the age of 27 from carbon monoxide poisoning on Dec 18, 2017.
Many fans have also been requesting for SM Entertainment to add Jonghyun’s birthday date to the calender, since they would still like to remember him by celebrating the day.
A fan wrote: “His birthday, it’s a small thing that would help make our fandom feel like he is appreciated and loved still. #SHINee is 5 members always even if we cant see him, he (is with us) in #SHINeeWorld heart and with his members always. We wont let you ignore him.”
Another shawol wrote: “Please add #Jonghyun’s birthday to the official calendar @SHINee. He’s still a member and we will of course be celebrating his birthday this year and for many years to come!”