SHINee's Jonghyun Changes Twitter Profile Image in Support of Transgender Student

SHINee member Jonghyun drew a lot of attention recently to his Twitter account when he changed his profile image to what is seemingly at first a strange image. Instead of a self-image or any other normal image that is expected from an idol’s Twitter profile picture, Jonghyun uploaded an image of a hand-written poster as his profile picture.

The hand-written poster was written by a transgender student named Kang Eun Ha in the Social Sciences Department at Sungkonghoe University. The poster was written by Kang Eun Ha as a statement of protest against the discrimination of the LBGT community.

In addition to uploading the picture of the poster, Jonghyun explained to Kang Eun Ha why he did so through Twitter. The message conversation was revealed by Kang Eun Ha herself. Jonghyun starts his text explaining that he messaged her because she might become the center of unwanted attention due to his action. He continues, “I support you. As a celebrity, as a minority of a different sort facing the public, I also feel disappointment towards the world that does not accept difference. Of course, it can’t be compared to what you feel.”

Jonghyun continues, “I support you who are rightly exclaiming that difference is not wrong. I do not think you need comfort or concern. You are that strong. I hope health and warm is with you for this end of the year.”

Kang Eun Ha replied to Jonghyun, “Thank you so much. I don’t know with what words I can express my feelings…Thank you. Thank you so much. I will definitely stay strong. Please be careful of cold, and I hope you have a warm end of the year 🙂 Thank you!”