A 26-year-old Japanese ENHYPEN fan known online as Mina Chan has reportedly died by suicide, according to Yonhap News Agency, prompting an ongoing police investigation and renewed discussion about online harassment within fan communities.
According to the report, authorities responded after receiving emergency calls indicating that Mina appeared to be in danger during a livestream. She was later confirmed dead. Seoul's Yongsan Police Station is investigating the circumstances surrounding the case.
The incident has also drawn significant attention online because many social media users connected the alleged harassment Mina experienced to comments made by ENHYPEN member Ni-ki during a recent livestream. However, neither Ni-ki nor ENHYPEN's agency, BELIFT LAB, has confirmed that his remarks referred to Mina.
How Ni-ki's livestream became part of the online controversy
The discussion intensified following Ni-ki's TikTok livestream on July 31, during which he criticised fans who attempt to draw attention to themselves during fan events.
Without naming any individual, he said it was disappointing when attendees tried to make themselves the focus instead of allowing everyone to enjoy the event together.
Many fans on social media later speculated that the comments were directed at Mina after she shared photos from an ENHYPEN fansign event in the United States featuring Ni-ki and fellow member Sunoo.
That speculation quickly spread across online platforms, although no official confirmation has been provided linking Ni-ki's comments to Mina.
Mina Chan publicly apologised before reports of harassment intensified
Following the online speculation, Mina posted a lengthy public apology on X.
In her statement, she apologised to Sunoo and his fans, saying she regretted actions that may have disrupted the atmosphere during the event. She acknowledged that attending multiple ENHYPEN fansigns had led her to mistakenly believe she shared a closer relationship with the members than she actually did.
Mina also expressed regret for prioritising her personal wishes during the event and said she was sorry if her behaviour had negatively affected others.
Final social media posts highlighted alleged online abuse
Before her reported death, Mina shared screenshots that she said showed abusive messages sent to her through social media.
According to fan accounts, she questioned why strangers felt the need to direct such hostile comments toward her after receiving criticism over her support for the group.
The reported messages have since circulated widely online, with many fans condemning cyberbullying and urging greater compassion within online communities.
Who was Mina Chan?
Mina Chan was widely known among ENHYPEN fans through her social media presence.
Fan accounts say she had more than 11,000 followers on X and over 78,000 followers on Instagram. She was also reported to have graduated from Rikkyo University earlier this year and was believed to be living in South Korea.
Her social media accounts frequently documented her experiences attending ENHYPEN events and interacting with fellow fans.
Investigation continues
According to Yonhap News Agency, police received an emergency report at around 5:33 a.m. on August 5 after one of Mina's acquaintances contacted authorities. Other viewers who reportedly watched the livestream also alerted emergency services.
Officials later confirmed her death, and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remains ongoing.
The case has reignited broader conversations about cyberbullying, online harassment and the impact that sustained abuse on social media can have on individuals, with many fans calling for greater responsibility and empathy across online communities.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, consider reaching out to a trusted person or contacting your local crisis or mental health service for immediate support.
