On January 10, the first day of '32nd Golden Disc Awards' took place at Ilsan Kintex. IU was awarded the Digital Daesang (the biggest award of the night) for her song 'Through the Night'. During her award speech, she mentioned the late SHINee member, Jonghyun, who was her close friend and colleague.
IU stated, "Honestly, I'm still sad. As a person, as a friend, and as a musician, I had to let go of someone who I deeply admired. I think I understand why he was struggling and having a hard time. I'm still deeply sad because I'm also aware of those feelings and I feel sorry."
She also encouraged fellow artists, and said, "I believe many are in sorrow. But everyone is so busy. They're people who have to continue planning for the next month, for the next year, so it's also unfortunate and sad that they can't even embrace the sadness. As being an artist is a job that gives encouragement to others, I hope we also take the time to look back on ourselves and encourage one another. I hope there isn't anyone who becomes more hurt while trying not to show (their sadness)."
[These translations are not by me. I have found them in various youtube videos and blogs about the speech.]
IU then had an encore stage of "Through the Night" with all the artists on stage with her.