Mina Chan, a Japanese K-pop influencer and prominent ENHYPEN fan based in South Korea, has died by suicide at the age of 26, according to reports. Her death came days after she became the target of intense online criticism following an incident involving ENHYPEN members Sunoo and Ni-ki at a concert in the US.

Chan, who was known online as @sweeter_nk, had built a sizeable following on social media through her content about the K-pop group. Reports have cited different figures for her social media following, with some putting her TikTok audience at more than 80,000 and others reporting significantly higher numbers.

Her death was confirmed by her younger sister in a social media post. The incident has since triggered renewed discussion about online harassment, cyberbullying and the increasingly intense nature of some K-pop fandoms.

What happened to Mina Chan?

Chan died at her residence in Seoul on August 5 while she was livestreaming on TikTok, according to reports citing South Korean police. Authorities were alerted after people watching the livestream reportedly became concerned, while an acquaintance also contacted police.

According to Korea Herald, officers from Yongsan Police Station responded to the report and found Chan dead at about 5:33 am, according to reports. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.

Her younger sister announced the death on Instagram on August 6, remembering Chan as someone who was kind and warm towards others.

"My beloved older sister, who was always kind and warm to everyone she met, has passed away. I kindly ask that you keep my sister in your thoughts and prayers," the post read.

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Why was Mina Chan facing criticism?

The controversy involving Chan began after an ENHYPEN concert in the US in July. Chan, a dedicated fan of the group, reportedly wanted to create a moment involving members Sunoo and Ni-ki.

During the event, she gave flowers to Sunoo and asked him to pass them to Ni-ki, who is also Japanese. According to reports, Chan had hoped to see the two members together with the flowers.

Videos and photographs of the interaction circulated among fans online. Some ENHYPEN supporters criticised Chan, accusing her of crossing boundaries and attempting to draw attention to herself during the concert.

The incident subsequently became a major topic within sections of the group's online fan community.

Ni-ki’s comments fuelled speculation

The controversy intensified after Ni-ki spoke about concert etiquette during a livestream on July 31.

“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.”

Ni-ki did not identify Chan or name any individual during the livestream. However, some fans interpreted his comments as being connected to the earlier concert incident involving Chan.

That interpretation helped push the controversy further across social media, with Chan subsequently facing additional criticism and hostile comments online.

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Mina Chan apologised publicly

Chan responded to the backlash with a lengthy apology posted on X on July 31. She acknowledged that she had become overly familiar with the members through repeated interactions at fansign events and said she regretted her behaviour at the US concert.

“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 wrote.

She also explained why she had wanted Sunoo to pass the flowers to Ni-ki and admitted that her desire to see the two members together had influenced her actions.

“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 behavior I exhibited in America. I ruined the atmosphere of the venue by prioritizing my own desire to meet Ni-ki over the precious time Ni-ki, who loves America so much, deserved. I'm truly sorry,” she added.

Despite the apology, reports said Chan continued to receive negative comments and criticism online.

Who was Mina Chan?

Chan was a Japanese creator who lived in South Korea and was known for her strong interest in ENHYPEN. She maintained accounts across TikTok, Instagram and X, where she shared content connected to the K-pop group.

Reports have differed over her exact social media following. Some accounts have reported more than 80,000 TikTok followers and more than 78,000 on Instagram, while other reports have cited substantially larger figures.

Fan accounts have also reported that Chan graduated from Rikkyo University earlier this year and had been living in South Korea.

Her online presence was closely associated with ENHYPEN, particularly member Ni-ki, who is also Japanese.

Chan's death has reignited debate about the darker side of online fandom culture. K-pop communities can create strong connections between artists and fans, but disputes involving perceived breaches of fan etiquette can spread rapidly on social media.

(Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, mental health challenges, or thoughts of self-harm, seek professional support without delay. You can contact Tele-MANAS, a 24x7 mental health helpline by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, at 14416 or 1800-891-4416.)