On August 28, Roo’s dedicated Instagram account, run by Jonghyun’s family, shared the sad news: “Roo, thank you for being with us all this time. Because of you, we laughed a lot and found strength. We hope you rest peacefully there.” The post continued, “You’ll always be watching over mom and me, right? We’ll always love you. We already miss you so much.”
Born on March 5, 2010, Roo was deeply loved by Jonghyun and became a familiar presence to SHINee fans as a true family member to the idol. Her full name was “Byul-roo,” a name that carried a special backstory. Jonghyun once revealed on a radio show that when Roo was still a puppy, she had an accident on fellow member Minho’s shirt, leading Minho to remark, “She’s really byul-roo (so-so).” The nickname stuck, though Jonghyun emphasized that despite the name, Roo was a precious blessing.
Roo also carried a symbolic meaning in Jonghyun’s family. Roo became that bridge, holding the family together.
In 2018, a year after Jonghyun’s passing, tragedy nearly struck when Roo went missing in Hongcheon, Gangwon Province, while being cared for by Jonghyun’s sister. The heartbreaking news spread quickly, with fellow artists like Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon amplifying the call to find her. Thankfully, Roo was safely returned three days later thanks to a fan’s tip.
Roo’s passing has devastated fans, who remember her not only as Jonghyun’s beloved pet but also as a living connection to the singer himself. For many, Roo symbolized continuity, love, and memory after Jonghyun’s departure.
A touching comment left by an international fan captured the sentiment: “Now you are in a place with no pain or sadness. You are not alone—Jonghyun is there to welcome you, smiling warmly, holding you when you need comfort, just as he always did.”
Sources: nate
Related Articles
