Police Seek Arrest Warrant for HYBE Founder Bang Si-Hyuk in Investor Fraud Probe

South Korean authorities have asked prosecutors to obtain a court warrant to detain Bang Si-Hyuk, founder and chairman of HYBE, over allegations of misleading investors in 2019. Officials say he told shareholders that HYBE would not go public, prompting them to sell shares before a private equity fund took over. Investigators believe Bang received roughly 200 billion won in a side agreement tied to HYBE’s subsequent IPO. HYBE’s legal team expressed ongoing cooperation with investigators but did not directly address the charges. Bang has been barred from leaving the country since August as the probe continues. The case comes at a critical time for HYBE. BTS has just resumed concerts after a four-year hiatus for military service. The group recently performed in Seoul, Goyang and Tokyo, with a U.S. tour set to begin later this month. Bang Si-Hyuk founded HYBE (originally Big Hit Entertainment) in 2005 and has overseen its rise into a global music powerhouse. In 2021, the company acquired Ithaca Holdings, bringing artists like Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande under its management.

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