A Japanese ENHYPEN fan known online as Mina Chan has reportedly died by suicide at the age of 26 after days of alleged online harassment, according to Yonhap News Agency. Authorities responded after receiving reports that she appeared to be in danger during a livestream, but she was later confirmed dead. The case is now under investigation by Seoul’s Yongsan Police Station. The incident has also put ENHYPEN member Ni-ki under intense scrutiny, as many online users linked the abuse Mina allegedly faced to comments he made during a recent livestream. Neither Ni-ki nor BELIFT LAB has confirmed that his remarks were about Mina.Trigger Warning: This article contains references to suicide, alleged cyberbullying, and online abuse involving Mina Chan. Reader discretion is advised.
How Mina Chan became part of the controversy after ENHYPEN member Ni-ki’s livestream
The controversy began after Ni-ki’s July 31 TikTok livestream, where he spoke about fans who try to draw attention to themselves at events.He said, “Live venues are places where everyone can be happy. It’s a shame there was someone trying to get noticed and show off. That’s kinda disappointing to see some people just want attention for themselves. When I see that, the vibe drops. That’s kinda disappointing to see some people just want attention for themselves.”Although he did not mention anyone by name, many fans believed he was referring to Mina, who had recently shared photos from a fansign event in the United States with Ni-ki and fellow member Sunoo.Soon after, Mina posted “Close” on X before sharing a detailed apology.She wrote, “Sunoo knows very well that I like Sunki. The sunflowers were prepared for Sunoo and the roses for Ni-ki. Wanting to see a two-shot of those two was my own wish. As a result, I feel like my actions ended up taking advantage of Sunoo’s kindness. I’m truly sorry. I feel so apologetic toward Sunoo and all the Sunoo fans.”She also admitted, “By attending ENHYPEN’s fansigns multiple times, I had deluded myself into thinking I was closer to the members than I actually was. I deeply regret the rude behaviour I exhibited in America. I ruined the atmosphere of the venue by prioritising my own desire to meet Ni-ki over the precious time Ni-ki, who loves America so much, deserved. I’m truly sorry.”
Who was Mina Chan? Her final posts and what is known about her
According to fan accounts, Mina was a dedicated ENHYPEN supporter who had more than 11,000 followers on X and over 78,000 on Instagram. She reportedly graduated from Rikkyo University earlier this year and was believed to be living in South Korea.Before her reported death, she shared screenshots of abusive direct messages on Instagram. One message read, “You only ever see the good side of things, so you’re staying positive. Seriously, please graduate from being a fan already. Watching you act all superior honestly made me sick.”It continued, “I’m not saying people who don’t go to concerts are completely wrong, but I just can’t understand the way you support them.”Mina responded by writing, “Why do I have to be told things like this by complete strangers?”According to Yonhap News Agency, police were alerted around 5:33 a.m. on August 5 after a friend contacted emergency services. Viewers on TikTok and X also reportedly called police while the livestream was still ongoing. Authorities later confirmed her death and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the case remains ongoing.
