Fans Mourn for 4 Years After Famous AfreecaTV Streamer Leaves Final Video Before Passing Away

Tragic Loss of AfreecaTV Streamer Maetel

On February 4, 2021, the streaming community mourned the untimely passing of acclaimed AfreecaTV streamer Maetel, whose real name was Heo In-na. The massage parlor she managed shared the heartbreaking news via her official platform, stating, “We regret to inform you that Director Heo In-na passed away on February 3, 2021.”

In their announcement, the massage shop also expressed their desire to respect the family’s wishes during this difficult time, stating, “Due to the impact of COVID-19 and the wishes of the deceased’s family, we will not be receiving visitors. We ask for your understanding.” They acknowledged their inability to reach out to all followers immediately due to the overwhelming shock, and informed patrons that normal business operations would be disrupted for the time being. Further updates were promised as they became available.

A Heartfelt Farewell

Coinciding with the announcement of her death, Maetel’s channel featured a poignant video titled “Thank You for Everything.” In this emotional farewell, she candidly reflected on her journey and noted, “I feel sorry for drawing attention in such a sexy way. I think I approached things too commercially.” She expressed a desire to connect more authentically with her viewers rather than focus solely on her streaming success.

Responding to persistent inquiries from her audience regarding marriage, Maetel chose to keep her feelings private, saying, “A lot of people asked if I planned to get married, but I won’t say because I think maintaining a sense of mystery is better. I’ve been through a lot, and I never really considered marriage.”

Sharing Her Struggles

In her final address, Maetel opened up about her battle with mental health, sharing, “I had bipolar disorder. After starting broadcasting, it resurfaced, and I needed treatment, but I hated taking medication, so I endured.” She described how feelings of lethargy had taken over her life, declaring that sleep was her only solace and isolation felt like her chosen comfort.

Reflecting on her struggles, she remarked, “I haven’t been living with the thought of being happy. That’s why I want to stop all of this. I wanted to move to a warm country, but COVID-19 just never seemed to end, and I became more and more exhausted. I’m sorry for making this decision. I think I filmed this video to say goodbye.”

Community Reaction

The news of Maetel’s passing reverberated through social media and her fanbase, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness within the streaming community. Fans expressed their sorrow and paid tribute to her impact as a streamer and a person struggling with her mental health battles.