ENHYPEN’s NI-KI sparks backlash after first appearance since fan’s death Korean boy band ENHYPEN’s Japanese member Nishimura Riki, known as NI-KI, faced widespread criticism following his first public appearance since the death of a 26-year-old Japanese fan who allegedly died after enduring online bullying. The controversy erupted after NI-KI performed with ENHYPEN at their “BLOOD SAGA” world tour concert in Busan on August 8, where he appeared energetic and engaged with both bandmates and fans. During the show, he addressed the audience, stating, “ENGENE and us really share the same feelings, so let’s create more unforgettable memories together.” His upbeat demeanor, however, sparked heated debates online, with some fans accusing him of being insensitive to the recent tragedy. The fan in question, known as Mina, had reportedly faced severe online harassment before closing her fan account on August 1. According to unverified reports, she died by suicide during a livestream four days later, on August 4. The alleged connection between NI-KI’s remarks and Mina’s death traces back to a July 30 livestream, during which he reportedly made comments about fans seeking attention, though he did not name any individuals. Online discussions later linked these remarks to Mina, suggesting her death was a direct consequence of the bullying she endured. However, the alleged connection has not been independently confirmed, and no official statements have been made by the band or its management regarding the matter. Supporters of NI-KI defended his actions, arguing that his professional demeanor on stage did not reflect his personal feelings. They emphasized that he was simply fulfilling a scheduled performance and that his behavior was consistent with his public persona.#enhypen #korean_boy_band #nishimura_riki #blood_saga #busan
