Fans have signed a petition calling for the weekly magazine, El Jueves, to be shut down after publishing the controversial comic strip.
- Oct 31, 2018
AceShowbiz - A Spanish magazine has angered K-Pop fans with offensive content that mocks the tragic passing of singer Jonghyun. El Jueves recently published a satirical comic strip that touched upon sensitive topics in the South Korean music industry, such as sexual abuse, exploitation and depression among its stars.
A Twitter user named CintiaDero pointed out the controversial content that referred to the death of the SHINee member. "Hello everybody, as you all know by now there was a comic mocking Jonghyun's passing, you'll find the trans below with the credits and a note. I hope it helps you understand even further how sick and unnecessary this comic was.#justiceforjjong," the Twitter user posted along with a snap of part of the comic strip.
While the comic strip didn't mention Jonghyun's name, a character is depicted with pink hair and dead at 27, a clear reference to the singer who died in an apparent suicide last year. Artist Raul Salazar, who wrote the comic strip, also criticized the K-Pop idols' styles and performances, as well as their fandom.
Calling out the choreographies as being "ridiculously long and overdone," the comic also uses the word "Pinypons" to describe K-Pop stars. Pinypons are plastic dolls with colorful hair.
Hello everybody, as you all know by now there was a comic mocking Jonghyun's passing, you'll find the trans below with the credits and a note. I hope it helps you understand even further how sick and unnecessary this comic was.#justiceforjjongpic.twitter.com/POaG4wFmUk
— Jinkisease 😷 (@CintiaDero) October 26, 2018
In response to the offensive comic, fans have launched a petition on Change.org to shut down the magazine. The online petition has collected more than 30,000 signatures out of its goal of 35,000 as of press time.
Jonghyun passed away at the age of 27 after he was found unconscious in an apartment in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam District, in Seoul on December 18. He committed suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning, sending shock wave among his fans. He had been battling depression before his suicide.
The singer was known for his diverse style in music and had been acknowledged for having distinguished themselves from the mass-produced singers in the idol industry by their "exceptional talent in songwriting, producing and dancing, plus other abilities that make them successful musicians." He was preparing for the release of his new solo album before his sudden passing. His final album "Poet | Artist" was released posthumously on January 23, 2018.
