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Sunday, 16 August 2026dailybeirut.com
Miscellaneous
Japanese influencer Mina Chan, 26, died in South Korea days after apologizing on X for boundary-crossing behavior at an ENHYPEN concert and a Weverse livestream by member Niki.
Japanese influencer Mina Chan, aged 26, died in South Korea shortly after drawing widespread attention—and subsequent criticism—for her interactions with members of the K-pop group ENHYPEN. Her final social media posts had generated significant engagement across platforms before news of her death emerged.
Chan was a prominent follower of ENHYPEN and regularly attended the group’s concerts and fan-signing events. She showed particular interest in Japanese member Niki. Her appearance at an ENHYPEN concert in the United States in late July sparked discussion among fans after she attempted to deliver a bouquet to Niki through another member, Sunoo.
Some followers viewed Chan’s action as exceeding accepted boundaries between artists and fans. The controversy intensified following a Weverse livestream conducted by Niki on 30 July, during which he spoke about audience members who try to attract members’ attention during performances—without naming Chan directly.
In response, Chan issued an apology on X, stating she felt regret over certain actions and acknowledging that her frequent attendance at ENHYPEN events had led her to realize she may have crossed established limits.
Yonhap News Agency reported that police received a notification on 5 August concerning a Japanese woman in her twenties. The following day, an account believed to belong to Chan’s sister announced her death and asked followers to pray for her and respect the family’s privacy.
Yongsan Police Station in Seoul is investigating the circumstances surrounding her death. Meanwhile, Chan’s followers continue posting condolence messages on her accounts. Calls are circulating for refraining from cyberbullying and avoiding accusations or speculation about the cause of death until official investigations conclude.
