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Japanese influencer and ENHYPEN fan Mina Chan has died at the age of 26, following days of intense online backlash that have reignited discussions about cyberbullying within K-pop fandoms.

Mina, who was based in South Korea, had built a following through her social media content about ENHYPEN and regularly attended the group's concerts and fan events.

The controversy surrounding her began after an ENHYPEN concert in the United States, where Mina reportedly gave sunflowers to Sunoo and asked him to pass them to fellow member Ni-ki.

The interaction later became a topic of discussion among fans. During a TikTok livestream on July 31, Ni-ki spoke about people at concerts whom he felt were more focused on seeking attention than enjoying the event. Although he did not mention anyone by name, some fans interpreted his comments as being directed at Mina.

Neither Ni-ki nor BELIFT LAB confirmed that the remarks were about her, while the singer's official fan site reportedly clarified that he had not singled out a specific person.

Some fans noted that Ni-Ki's livestream took place after another concert stop that took place some time after the show Mina attended. He did not name Mina in the livestream, and neither Ni-Ki nor BELIFT LAB has publicly confirmed that his remarks were directed at her. As such, any connection between his comments and Mina remains an interpretation by some fans rather than a fact.

Mina later addressed the controversy online and apologized for her actions. She explained that she had hoped to see an interaction between Sunoo and Ni-ki, whom she supported as a pairing, but acknowledged that she may have overstepped.

私がsunkiが好きなことをsunooはよく知っています。向日葵はsunooのために🌻薔薇はnikiのために準備しました🌹
2人の2shotが見たいというのは、私自身の願いでした。
その結果、sunooの優しさに甘えてしまったような行動になってしまったと思っています。本当にごめんなさい。… pic.twitter.com/Sbk1JwRBIR

— sweeter (@sweeter_nk) July 31, 2026

Despite her apology, Mina continued to receive hostile messages online. She also shared screenshots of some of the messages she received, questioning why strangers were sending her such hurtful remarks.

Related gallery: Celebrities who experienced cyberbullying

In the early hours of August 5, Mina went live on TikTok, where viewers became concerned after she appeared visibly distressed and in tears. Authorities were alerted after people watching the livestream expressed concern for her safety.

Police later went to her apartment in Seoul, where she was found dead at around 5:33 a.m., according to reports. The Yongsan Police Station is investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.

Her passing has prompted an outpouring of grief as well as renewed criticism of online harassment and the way conflicts within fandoms can escalate on social media.

Ni-ki has also faced scrutiny following the controversy, although there has been no official confirmation that his comments were directed at Mina or that he was involved in the harassment she reportedly received.

The circumstances surrounding Mina's death remain under investigation, and authorities have not announced any charges related to the online activity directed toward her.

For those who may be struggling with their mental health, help is available. In the Philippines, the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Crisis Hotline can be reached at 1553 or through 0917-899-8727 and 0966-351-4518.