Mina Chan, a 26-year-old K-pop influencer and superfan, died by suicide during a TikTok livestream on August 5, 2026, following weeks of online harassment from other fans. Police in Seoul found her dead in her home in the Yongsan District at 5:33am after friends alerted them that she was self-harming during a live broadcast to her 80,000 followers.
Background and Incident
Chan, originally from Japan, was a prominent figure in the fanbase of the K-pop group Enhypen, frequently attending concerts and fan events. Her death was confirmed by her sister in an emotional Instagram post, who described the loss as 'heartbreaking' and wrote: 'My beloved older sister, who was always kind and warm to everyone she met, has passed away.'
The controversy began in July when Chan attempted to give flowers to Enhypen member Ni-ki, 20, at a concert in the USA. Unable to reach him, she handed them to another member, Sunoo, 23, asking him to pass them along. The moment went viral, with some claiming she was 'yelling' at the singer, while others said she appeared annoyed and checked her phone after the failed exchange.
Aftermath and Legal Context
Ni-ki, whose real name is Nishimura Riki, later said on a livestream that he was disappointed in concertgoers who 'only want attention' for themselves, though he did not name Chan. He stated: 'Everywhere we go there are a few people who really want us to notice them.' Chan issued a public apology on X, writing: 'I'm truly sorry. I feel so apologetic toward Sunoo and all the Sunoo fans. 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.'
Following the backlash, Chan closed her fan account on August 1. Ni-ki's official fan site denied that his comments targeted any individual, and no official statement has been released by him or Enhypen. South Korean police have not commented on the cause of death, but reports indicate an investigation is underway. It remains unclear if the online abuse is linked to her suicide. In South Korea, cyber defamation and public insult are criminal offences, punishable by jail time and fines.
Tributes and Ongoing Silence
Days after Chan's death, Enhypen performed in Busan on August 8 as part of their Blood Saga world tour. Ni-ki told fans: 'ENGENE [the fanbase] and us really share the same feelings, so let's create more unforgettable memories together.' Tributes have continued for Chan, but Enhypen and Ni-ki have not publicly commented on her death. Metro has reached out to Enhypen's team for comment.
