ENHYPEN Member’s Distressing Actions Following Claims of Discrimination Ignite Backlash
ENHYPEN is facing controversy after Ni-Ki appeared sidelined during their recent airport departure for a Shanghai fan event.
The controversy began on January 30, 2026, at Incheon International Airport. ENHYPEN was set to head to Shanghai for offline promotions of their mini-album THE SIN: VANISH. Ni-Ki, the Japanese member, could not join the event due to visa issues linked to political tensions between China and Japan.
Still, Ni-Ki showed up at the airport with the other six members, reassuring fans at first. That quickly changed when photos and videos surfaced online showing Ni-Ki standing hidden behind a pillar while the rest posed openly.
Fans quickly expressed anger and heartbreak. They say Ni-Ki was physically hidden because of his nationality, accusing HYBE and BELIFT LAB of discrimination.
Ni-Ki kept a low profile, walking behind the group with minimal expression. Even reporters at the scene noticed and asked why he was “hiding.”
“ni-ki’s existence isn’t a crime. being a japanese isn’t a crime. ni-ki should not be hidden. ni-ki should not be excluded. ni-ki should not be discriminated.
TAKE ACTION NOW BELIFT. FANS ARE NOT STUPID
ENHYPEN IS 7
BELIFT RESPECT NI-KI” — kira (fan account) on Twitter
Fans are frustrated because visa restrictions don’t explain why Ni-Ki seemed to be kept out of the spotlight at a public airport. They’re questioning if this was a company decision or personal choice, but HYBE and BELIFT LAB have yet to issue any statement.
“ni-ki hiding BEHIND the pole on an airport departure all bcs of his nationality. this is sick
you hit a new level of low BELIFT. jpn engenes should start protesting to HYBE ASAP
ENHYPEN IS 7
BELIFT RESPECT NI-KI” — kira (fan account) on Twitter
Many ENGENEs vow to avoid supporting any company content that sidelines Ni-Ki. They emphasize that ENHYPEN is a seven-member group.
“the way the reporter even asked why ni-ki was hiding like ‘why is he hiding’ ‘Ni-ki~~shiiii’ NANGIS BANGET YA ALLAH NANGISSSSSS
@BELIFTLAB CONGRATS for being the most foolish and evil agency in K-pop history, I HATE U SO MUCH” — 사 on Twitter
The situation remains tense with no official response yet.