Trigger Warning: Suicide
K-pop influencer Mina Chan died at the age of 26 during a TikTok livestream. Chan was facing online criticism from K-pop fans over her much talked about interaction with a boy band.
Mina Chan faced intense criticism from K-pop fans before her death in South Korea
Mina Chan, 26, died while livestreaming. Her behavior during the livestream was reportedly disturbing for some of her viewers, who urged authorities to intervene. She had more than 80,000 followers on TikTok. According to Page Six, Yongsan Police Station said that officers found her dead at 5:33 a.m. after receiving a report from one of her acquaintances. Chan was livestreaming from her home, Hangangno-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, when the incident occurred.
The circumstances surrounding her death have been reported as an apparent suicide. However, authorities have not confirmed the cause of death.
Before her death, Chan was reportedly facing intense criticism from ENHYPEN fans over an interaction with the group in the USA.
During the interaction, she attempted to ask ENHYPEN band member Sunoo to pass flowers to fellow member Ni-Ki. Some fans accused Chan of overstepping boundaries, which led to the backlash.
Chan later issued an apology, writing, “I feel like my actions ended up taking advantage of Sunoo’s kindness. I’m truly sorry. I feel so apologetic toward Sunoo and all the Sunoo fans. By attending ENHYPEN’s fansigns multiple times, I had deluded myself into thinking I was closer to the members than I actually was.”
“I deeply regret the rude behavior I exhibited in America. I ruined the atmosphere of the venue by prioritizing my own desire to meet Ni-ki over the precious time Ni-ki, who loves America so much, deserved. I’m truly sorry,” she added. Despite her apology, Chan continued to face criticism from K-pop fans.
Following Chan’s death, her sister shared an Instagram story. She wrote, “My beloved older sister, who was always kind and warm to everyone she met, has passed away. I kindly ask that you keep my sister in your thoughts and prayers.”
Chan’s death has sparked renewed discussion on social media about the impact of online criticism and fan backlash.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT ONLINE BACKLASH MINA CHAN FACED BEFORE HER DEATH.
