K-pop has been taking over, with the help of PSY and the sensation known as BTS, and it's really not showing any signs of slowing down.
As a K-pop fan for nearly a decade, I'm very happy to see this, and even more so when the teens at my library come to K-pop Club to share their love for this genre. It's even more meaningful to me when one of the first K-pop groups I listened to is celebrating it's 10-year anniversary. And that group is SHINee (also known as Shinee). SHINee (Taemin, Onew, Key, Minho, and Jonghyun) is getting the recognition that they rightfully deserve. They have worked so hard and endured so much. Whenever you mention SHINee, you think of songs like Ring Ding Dong, Lucifer, and View (personal fave). Unfortunately, when you mention this group, the tragic event of December 18, 2017 also comes to mind. I still remember seeing on my news feed that Jonghyun had taken his own life at the age of 27. The news was everywhere, and it was so heartbreaking. Seeing his fellow bandmates act as pallbearers at his funeral was worse. Many wondered if the group would go on. And they are. After regrouping, and with the approval of Jonghyun's family, the boys of SHINee finished their planned Japanese tour, which began this past February. In June, they released their three-part EP, The Story of Light. This album is definitely one of their best to date. There is a lot of passion in each song, especially the lead song on Part 3, Our Page. The song reflects on their career and the trials the group has faced. There is a mention to Jonghyun, with the boys singing "You did well." That phrase was what Jonghyun requested to hear before he died. He asked his fans to please tell him he did well. Well, Jonghyun. You did do well. All of the boys of SHINee did well and this album was proof of that. I highly recommend this album. It's really good and very well produced. Watching the videos for the lead songs of the EP, you can tell the boys were putting their all into this project. I bought the album, and listened to it without interuption. I was really into all the songs, and just felt a sense of pride as a fan. You can feel the heart and soul that the surviving members put into this work. You have to commend them for continuing, and to put out a well done piece after dealing with a tremendous loss. Overall, I give The Story of Light a 4.5/5. I really believe the album is their very best, and does deserve more recognition. As a Shawol (fan of SHINee), I'm very proud of all of them and I'm sure Jonghyun is too. *Side note: if you ever feel depressed or feel like life is not worth living, please know that there are people out there that do love you and will be there for you. Your life has value. You have value. Please talk to a trusted friend, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or feel free to contact me at [email protected]*
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Who am I?The Library Lady is a Young Adult Librarian and reviewer. She's also a music, anime, and film nerd. Archives
January 2024
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