A K-pop social media influencer has died at the age of 26 during a TikTok livestream.
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Mina Chan, a Japanese influencer based in South Korea, had built an audience of more than 80,000 followers on the platform through content centered around K-pop group ENHYPEN.
Her death comes after Chan faced intense criticism from some members of the group's online fanbase in recent months.
Influencer Dies During TikTok Livestream
Local reports claim the tragic incident occurred on August 5 while Chan was livestreaming from her residence in South Korea.
The Yongsan Police Station said officers found the 26-year-old dead at around 5:33 a.m. after receiving a report from one of her "acquaintances".
Social media users had raised concerns about Chan's well-being during the livestream, with some urging authorities to intervene.
Chan's younger sister reportedly confirmed her death through an Instagram Stories post the following day.
"My beloved older sister, who was always kind and warm to everyone she met, has passed away," the post read. "I kindly ask that you keep my sister in your thoughts and prayers."
Mina Chan Faced Online Backlash Before Her Death
Last month, Chan attended an ENHYPEN show in the United States and subsequently faced criticism over an interaction involving members Sunoo and Ni-ki.
Chan attempted to have Sunoo pass flowers to Ni-ki, who, like Chan, is Japanese. Some fans accused the influencer of overstepping boundaries during the encounter.
"I feel like my actions ended up taking advantage of Sunoo's kindness," Chan wrote in an apology post on July 31. "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."
Despite the apology, Chan continued to receive critical messages online.
Following news of her death, some social media users have condemned the treatment she received before her passing.
One commenter described the "hate" and "harassment" directed toward Chan by some members of the fanbase as "genuinely disgusting".
The user argued that those responsible were not "fans," adding that "real fans" and the artists themselves would not condone such behaviour.
