Updating his Instagram in the early hours of October 6, SHINee’s Key explains his absence in a recent Japanese promotional event, delivering the sad news of his grandmother passing away.

He writes, “To those who love me and my team, hello everyone, this is Key. I don’t know how to tell you this.. I could not attend the September 24 schedule in Japan due to personal reasons.On the 23rd, my grandmother passed away. The grandmother who raised and loved me is no longer with us. But…However, I didn’t think it was a good idea to announce it because it was the first concert, so I wrote these words here. Watch over me in heaven and I will work hard on the remaining tour. To those who have sent me wishes, I will meet you with a smiling face. Thank you.”

Upon hearing the news, Shawols gave their words of strength to Key, “Stay strong oppa…We will always support and stand by you,” “#staystrongkey,” “Oppa, she went to a better place, I am sure…and she will want you to stay strong and strive forward…stay strong and don’t let her down.”

Last week, Key had posted a perplexing image of the sky, no text to explain his current thoughts.