I think this is an appropriate time to make this post, as it’s been just over a month since Jonghyun’s dog, Roo, passed away. And maybe by now, we’ve all had a moment to think about what she meant to all of us and how her loss has affected us. To me, she felt like the last link to Jonghyun, the last individual to really symbolize him, and I was worried for when this time would come. And now, it’s here and I don’t really know what to say.
So, who was Roo? Her full name was Byulroo, which means “not good”, and she was born on March 5th, 2010. She was a surprise birthday present to Jonghyun from his sister Sodam
More than anything, I think it’s a beautiful thing that End of a day is inspired by her. The song talks about a person coming home after a long day to someone who cherishes them, often by just being there.
Some of the most stirring lines include (English translation from here):
Because even though we’ve been in different worlds all day
We always end the day together
And then from the last portion of the song:
I can’t cry all I want or even laugh all I want
At the end of a tiring day but still, if I’m next to you
Like a child, I can whine and then laugh
You did a good job today, you worked so hard
You are my pride
The song continues to make such an impact on me, as it is so versatile. It can apply to anyone, because who can’t relate to the feeling of just wanting someone after such a long hard day, where you feel like you are drowning under the mountain of expectations set up by the world around you? Where you just need someone, anyone who will free you from that burden, and let you exist as you, without having to entertain anyone? I’m glad that Roo was that someone for Jonghyun for so many years, and I know that they’re both reunited now, wherever they are.
Over the years, there have been many funny moments with her and about her, and I just wanted to share some. This is undoubtedly a sad time, but it’s easier to process when you remember the good times.
Jonghyun hacked into SM’s channel to post these videos! She used to be soo tiny back then, her ears were half her size haha. She’s so cute.
I take my words back. Watching these videos make me even more sad. I just want those times back. Why did everything have to change?
Jonghyun hacked into SM’s channel to post these videos! She used to be soo tiny back then, her ears were half her size haha. She’s so cute.
I take my words back. Watching these videos make me even more sad. I just want those times back. Why did everything have to change?
This was so cute. Jonghyun was the only person who could call Roo ugly.
Same with these videos:
She was soo small, hehe, it’s so cute.
As the years pass, I realize just how different the world is becoming from when I was a kid and from when Jonghyun was around. And it just hurts my heart that there are more and more years separating these times from us now, and slowly, everything is becoming more distant. I know that I’ll never stop listening to End of a day, or any of Jonghyun’s music. He’s still here, in all of our hearts and so is Roo. The videos linked above made me wonder about this. There are so many comments there that are from fifteen years ago. For a brief moment, I wondered if I had just gone back in time… back to when everything was alright and everybody was still here.
I hope they’re both at peace now and reunited, and that both of them are free from any pain.
Also, I hope that everyone takes care of themselves.
