Ever since their memorable debut in 2008, SHINee has been a staple in K-Pop ' extensive solo catalogs.

The fact that they've lasted 17 years as an active group is more than enough of a means for celebration, but this year's anniversary is more special than others. SHINee consists of five : Onew, Jonghyun, Key, Minho, and Taemin. When you look at recent images of the group, you'll notice only four are ever featured. This is because Jonghyun, their main vocalist, tragically ed away in 2017.

Rather than sweep this tragedy under the rug in an industry that often shies away from talks of mental health, SHINee has consistently included their late vocalist in everything they've done since, keeping his legacy alive in both their official group activities and their everyday lives. I've been fond of SHINee for a while now, but I always find myself in awe of their strength and perseverance when I think about everything they've been through. This year's monumental anniversary honors not only their long-lasting career, but also the contributions by Jonghyun that are still felt today.

SHINee Has Never Forgotten Jonghyun's Contributions

The Group Wouldn't Be Who They Are Without Him

Seven years after his death, Jonghyun is still regarded as one of the best vocalists in all of K-Pop. His unique tone and undeniable power shone through in every word he sang. SHINee's debut album, The SHINee World, featured a stunning solo ballad titled "Y Si Fuera Ella," that continues to move listeners to tears for an impressive runtime of over five minutes. Not many K-Pop debuts include solo or unit tracks, much less a solo ballad for just one member, but with a vocalist as strong as him, why wouldn't you want to immediately show off his talent?

In 2009, Jonghyun debuted as a credited songwriter on the group's single "Juliette," expanding his contributions beyond just performing. He would go on to pen nearly 20 songs for the group, including the ever-iconic "View" and impressive b-sides like "Don't Stop." When it came time for him to finally release his first solo mini-album, Jonghyun was credited as a writer on every single track. His songwriting served him especially well on his The Story Op albums, where he often took listener suggestions for topics from fans on his late-night radio show.

Jonghyun would go on to write memorable songs for EXO, IU, Lee Hi, and Taemin, a feat that wasn't always so common within a company as massive and imposing as SM Entertainment. In fact, Jonghyun is regarded as one of the first artists to have such significant involvement in the writing, composing, and production of their music, opening doors for others to come, like B.I., Zico, and Soyeon. The effort he put into everything he did is felt in every note, and SHINee is tapping back into that effort on their anniversary single album.

"Poet | Artist" Takes Its Name From Jonghyun's Posthumous Album

SHINee Honors His Memory On Their 17th Anniversary

Prior to his ing in December 2017, Jonghyun completed his fourth full-length album. SM announced the release of this album the day after his ing, with all the proceeds from album sales going to Jonghyun's mother and her efforts to start a charity that would become the Shiny Foundation, created to help struggling artists in South Korea. The album, Poet | Artist, would be his last release.

A group's 17th anniversary might not seem like a milestone worth any special fanfare beyond celebrating their ability to outlast the average group's lifespan, but SHINee is celebrating this year like no other. With a special single album titled Poet | Artist, it's impossible not to notice the significance. Jonghyun's album of the same name was released in January 2018, but the real anniversary lies within his debut mini-album. BASE was released on January 12, 2015, making this year the 10th anniversary of his impeccable solo debut.

The title of this project isn't the only part that ties back to their late member. The title track includes lyrics and composition contributed by Jonghyun, pulled from his archives, that I can only imagine are filled with music that would plant him firmly in some kind of K-Pop Hall of Fame. To top it all off, Jonghyun's vocals are present in the song's bridge and as ad libs throughout, which, somehow, I never even began to expect. I'm also moved by the physical versions of the album that include five plush keychains specific to each member in age order.

Even though he's no longer with us or with them, they do their best to make it feel like he never left.

Where each member's plush is held by their own hands in the packaging, Jonghyun's is held by the four remaining . His version also includes a photocard that, I fear, is going to be the holding his plush or something of that nature. I'm constantly moved by SHINee's clear dedication to including Jonghyun in everything they do. Even though he's no longer with us or with them, they do their best to make it feel like he never left.