Seoul, en.SERU.co.id — Japanese influencer and longtime ENHYPEN fansite operator Mina Chan, 26, known online as sweeter_nk, died on August 5, 2026.
The incident was reported by Yonhap News Agency and later confirmed by her family. It has sparked discussions across K-pop communities about cyberbullying, toxic fandom behavior, and the boundaries between fans and idols.
Brief Chronology
In late July 2026, Mina Chan attended an ENHYPEN event in the United States. She reportedly asked member Sunoo to pass flowers to Ni-ki.
Some fans criticized the action, viewing it as attention-seeking or inappropriate.
Around July 30–31, Ni-ki made general remarks during a livestream about fans who draw attention to themselves or disrupt the atmosphere at live events.
Although Ni-ki did not mention anyone by name, some fans on social media speculated that his remarks referred to Mina Chan.
Mina Chan later posted an apology on X, acknowledged her actions, and closed her fansite account. She continued to receive hostile messages online.
She died on August 5. Police in Seoul’s Yongsan District received a report around 5:33 a.m. after a friend and viewers contacted authorities.
Her sister later confirmed the death through an Instagram Story and asked people not to speculate about the circumstances.
Fandom Reaction
The incident triggered intense discussion on X and K-pop fan forums.
Many users condemned the online harassment directed at Mina Chan, particularly after her apology and decision to leave the fandom.
Others defended Ni-ki, arguing that his livestream comments were general and did not identify Mina Chan.
Some fans also criticized statements from Ni-ki support groups that listed alleged past actions by Mina Chan, arguing that the posts shifted attention toward her behavior.
K-pop culture researcher Cyrus Ng, quoted by The Standard in Hong Kong, said intense competition for idols’ attention can fuel conflict within fan communities.
The controversy intensified on August 7 when a fake apology letter attributed to Ni-ki circulated widely on X.
The letter claimed that the idol regretted words and actions that had hurt others. Japanese outlet ZakZak and Tokyo Reporter later reported that the document was fabricated.
Neither Ni-ki nor BELIFT LAB has issued an official statement regarding the case.
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Ni-ki Continues Tour
ENHYPEN continued its Blood Saga world tour, including a Busan performance on August 8.
During the show, Ni-ki spoke to fans about sharing feelings and creating memories together, without directly referring to the incident.
The Yongsan Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mina Chan’s death. The case has renewed discussion about online harassment and the pressures that can develop within K-pop fandom communities.
