X/@bts_bighit & X/ENHYPEN
K-pop fandoms are known for their passionate support of artists, but a recent online controversy has raised concerns about how far fan rivalries can go.
A young TikTok creator who shared videos of herself listening to BTS songs has reportedly become the target of disturbing comments, with some users invoking the phrase “Mina method” to threaten her.
The incident has sparked criticism across K-pop fan communities, particularly because the phrase is associated with the tragic death of Mina Chan, a Japanese influencer and ENHYPEN fan who died by suicide in August 2026.
The resurfacing of the term as a form of online intimidation has prompted fans to question the growing hostility between different fandoms and the targeting of younger users.
What is the ‘Mina Method’ Controversy?
The phrase “Mina method” is linked to Mina Chan, a 26-year-old Japanese K-pop influencer who was an ENHYPEN fan. The controversy surrounding her reportedly began during a concert in the United States, where she handed a bouquet of flowers to ENHYPEN member Sunoo and asked him to pass it to fellow group member Ni-ki.
Although the gesture appeared to be an expression of appreciation, it attracted criticism from some fans. They accused Mina of seeking attention, crossing personal boundaries and disregarding concert etiquette.
The backlash reportedly continued even after Mina issued a public apology on X. On August 5, 2026, she died by suicide during a TikTok livestream.
Following her death, the phrase “Mina method” began circulating in online discussions in reference to the harassment she had reportedly experienced. Its subsequent use as a threatening expression has brought renewed attention to the circumstances surrounding her death.
Young BTS Fan Targeted With Disturbing Comments
The latest controversy emerged after a young girl began posting TikTok videos of herself listening to BTS songs. What appeared to be ordinary fan content reportedly attracted hostile responses from some users associated with the ENHYPEN fandom.
According to circulating reports, some commenters threatened to subject the child to the same treatment Mina Chan had experienced, invoking the phrase “Mina method.”
The incident has particularly disturbed fans because the target is a young social media user simply expressing her interest in another K-pop group. Using the memory of someone’s tragic death to intimidate a child has also raised questions about the boundaries of online fan behavior.
The comments have brought the phrase back into circulation, shifting attention from the original controversy to the potential consequences of using such references as weapons in fandom arguments.
ARMY Urges Fans to Support the Young Girl
As the comments gained attention, BTS fans, commonly known as ARMY, began encouraging fellow supporters to leave positive messages on the girl’s TikTok videos.
The appeal was intended to counter the hostile responses and make her comment sections more welcoming. Rather than allowing the threatening remarks to dominate the conversation, fans urged others to show solidarity with the young creator.
The incident has also prompted discussions about how social media users can respond when children become targets of online harassment. Many fans have expressed concern that disagreements between music fandoms should never escalate into threats directed at young listeners.
ENHYPEN Fans Distance Themselves From the Harassment
Although some of the comments reportedly came from users associated with the ENHYPEN fandom, the incident should not be treated as representative of the group’s entire fan community.
The threats have reportedly involved a mix of toxic users, including some ENHYPEN supporters and multi-stans who follow several K-pop groups. Other ENHYPEN fans have condemned the behavior and distanced themselves from those targeting the young BTS listener.
The distinction is important, particularly in a controversy that has quickly developed into a wider discussion about fandom rivalries. Holding an entire fan community responsible for the actions of individual users risks creating further hostility rather than addressing the original problem.
Growing Concerns Over Toxic K-Pop Stan Culture
The controversy highlights a troubling aspect of online fandom culture, where disagreements over artists, music and personal preferences can sometimes turn into targeted harassment.
K-pop communities have long relied on social media platforms to celebrate releases, share performances and connect with fellow fans. However, the same platforms can also amplify confrontations, allowing hostile comments and threats to spread rapidly.
The use of “Mina method” in comments directed at a child has added another disturbing dimension to the debate. It brings the memory of Mina Chan’s death into an entirely new online conflict, raising concerns about the way tragic incidents can be used to intimidate others.
What began with a young girl’s BTS-related TikTok videos has now reopened conversations about cyberbullying, fan rivalries and accountability in online communities. The incident serves as a reminder that supporting one artist should never require attacking another artist’s fans, particularly when those targeted are children.
