K-Pop Influencer Mina Chan Dies at 26 After Facing Backlash From Fans

K-pop influencer Mina Chan has died at the age of 26, with her death reportedly occurring during a TikTok livestream amid intense criticism from fans of the group ENHYPEN.

Chan, a Japanese national based in South Korea, had built a following of more than 80,000 people on TikTok and was known for her strong support of the K-pop group.

South Korean authorities were alerted by one of Chan’s acquaintances on August 5, and police later found her dead at her residence, according to reports citing the Yongsan Police Station.

Her death has since prompted an outpouring of concern online, with reports that social media users had attempted to get authorities to intervene while the livestream was taking place.

Chan’s younger sister reportedly confirmed the death in an Instagram post the following day, remembering her as a kind and warm person.

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

Before her death, Chan had reportedly faced harsh criticism from sections of the ENHYPEN fandom following an incident at one of the group’s concerts in the US.

She had attempted to get member Sunoo to pass flowers to fellow member Ni-ki, who, like Chan, is Japanese. Some fans reportedly accused her of crossing personal boundaries, leading to intense online criticism.

The circumstances surrounding Chan’s death remain under investigation.