Eight years after his passing, a personal artwork by SHINee’s Jonghyun has sparked fresh interest among fans and collectors after surfacing on South Korea’s leading secondhand trading platform.
Photo | From The KoreaJoong Daily
The charcoal-style portrait, believed to depict comedian Defconn, was uploaded to Karrot and priced at 1.2 million won. According to the seller, the drawing was created in 2015 when Jonghyun guested on MBC’s long-running variety show “Weekly Idol.” The piece reportedly served as an event prize from the broadcaster and bears the late idol’s signature.
Photo | From The KoreaJoong Daily
Jonghyun, born Kim Jong-hyun in 1990, debuted with SHINee in 2008 and became one of K-pop’s most respected vocalists and songwriters. His sudden death in December 2017 sent shockwaves through the industry and left a lasting mark on fans worldwide. The group’s agency, SM Entertainment, continues to honor him as a five-member act.
The listing’s reappearance in recent searches has drawn attention from longtime SHINee supporters, many of whom still actively celebrate Jonghyun’s artistic legacy through memorial events and fan projects. While the authenticity of the piece would require verification through experts or the original program’s records, its emotional value to fans remains significant.
Karrot, known for neighborhood-based transactions, occasionally sees high-value celebrity memorabilia change hands. Whether the drawing finds a new owner at the asking price or leads to further negotiation remains to be seen. For many, however, the listing serves as another poignant reminder of Jonghyun’s multifaceted talent that extended beyond the stage into visual expression.
As the K-pop industry continues to evolve, moments like these highlight how deeply personal artifacts from beloved artists continue to resonate years later. Fans are advised to approach such sales with care and, if needed, reach out to support networks honoring his memory responsibly.


