K-pop influencer Mina Chan has passed away at age 26 after facing ‘harassment’ from the fandom.

The Japanese social media star, who was based in South Korea, died by suicide during a TikTok livestream in the early hours of August 5.

Chan was best known online as sweeter_nk and had become a regular face among fans of the boy band ENHYPEN.

She operated a popular fan account, regularly attended concerts and signings, and was a vocal supporter of the group’s Japanese member Ni-ki.

But in the days before her death, the fandom had turned on the influencer for reportedly overstepping boundaries. 

Chan had been at a concert in the US in late July when she had attempted to get band member Sunoo to pass flowers to Ni-ki.

It sparked backlash with relentless accusations that she had tried to overshadow the event and steal the spotlight.

In the aftermath, Chan posted a lengthy apology on X that read, in part: ‘I feel like my actions ended up taking advantage of Sunoo’s kindness. 

K-pop influencer Mina Chan has died aged 26 after facing ‘harassment’ by the fandom

Chan was best known online as sweeter_nk and had become a regular face among fans of the boy band ENHYPEN, above

‘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. 

‘To everyone who has supported me as sweeter_nk until now, thank you so much.’

Police received a report at 5.33am on August 5 concerning a Japanese influencer in her 20s who was attempting suicide during a TikTok livestream, according to South Korean news agency Yonhap.

On August 6, an account said to belong to Chan’s younger sister confirmed her death through an Instagram Story.

She wrote: ‘My beloved older sister, who was always kind and warm to everyone she met, has passed away.

The statement insisted that she would not be sharing further information about the passing, before concluding: ‘I kindly ask that you keep my sister in your thoughts and prayers.’ 

Chan had been at an ENHYPEN concert in the US in late July when she had attempted to get band member Sunoo to pass flowers to fellow star Ni-ki

In the aftermath, Chan posted a lengthy apology on X that read, in part: ‘I feel like my actions ended up taking advantage of Sunoo’s kindness’

On August 6, an Instagram account said to belong to Chan’s sister confirmed her death

Seoul’s Yongsan Police Station is reportedly investigating the exact circumstances surrounding the death.

Dozens of fans have shared their condolences under Chan’s last posts online.

One wrote: ‘Rest in peace, Mina. You didn’t deserve this. You were a kind and lovely person who had a big heart. I hope you are free and found peace. 

‘My heart goes to your family and friends who had to face your loss. You will never be forgotten and I wish you could live longer to enjoy your life. I am so sad that this happened.’

Another added: ‘May your soul rest in peace, I really will always love you.’

And a third shared: ‘I hope you will be happier in the next life.’

The Daily Mail has reached out to TikTok for comment. 

• If you are struggling, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.