Jonghyun's SHINee Groupmate Key Pens Emotional Letter After His Funeral

Posting on Instagram a picture of the handwritten letter and a ring which he received as a gift from his late friend, Key writes, 'I'm sorry I wasn't a source of strength when you were lonely.'

SHINee's Key wrote a farewell letter to his late friend Jonghyun after sending him off at funeral on Thursday morning, December 21. Taking to his Instagram account later that day, the singer/fashion designer posted a picture of the handwritten letter and a ring from a bracelet set he received as a gift from Jonghyun. He also shared a photo of him with Jonghyun.

In the letter, Key, whose real name is Kim Ki Bum, expressed his grief over the loss of one of his closest friends. "To Jonghyun hyung who I love," he opened the letter. "Hyung, this is Kibum. I sent you off today and saw your face yesterday, but I still can't believe it. I'm sorry for visiting you so late because of work, and I'm sorry I wasn't a source of strength when you were lonely."

"You and I were the two most stubborn members of our group, so we had to do everything we wanted to do. You did everthing you wanted, and in the end, you made the decision and left us first... it was really hard at first, but after spending time with only you for the past three days, I think I understand how you felt," the 26-year-old continued.

Key promised that he would look after Jonghyun's mother and sister like his own family. He wrote, "Don't be too worried that you left before us. I'll respect and look after your mom and sister like my own family."

"I'll miss you for a very long time. I'm worried because the person who always took my side at meetings is gone now. You and I talked the most during our meetings... I'll have to get used to not having you here now," Key shared, before concluding it, "I'm going to try living a better life too. When I get older and meet you again, tell me I did well. Jonghyun hyung, you were the best artist, friend, hyung, and colleague to me. You worked hard, and I love you so much!"

Jonghyun died on December 18 after found unconscious in a residential hotel, after sending suicidal text messages to his sister. Police believe he died from inhaling toxic fumes as they found coal briquettes burnt on a frying pan upon arriving at the place. His family decided not to perform autopsy.

Key was in Portugal for a photo shoot at the time of Jonghyun's death and immediately returned to Korea. He and fellow SHINee members, Onew and Taemin, served as chief mourners at Jonghyun's wake along with his family, and were joined by Super Junior's Leeteuk, Lee Donghae and Eunhyuk as the pallbearers at the funeral. He couldn't hold back tears as he sent his friend off and was seen being comforted by Onew at the funeral. Meanwhile, Minho led the procession with Jonghyun's sister.