Key Facts
• HYBE founder Bang Si-hyuk appeared at Seoul police headquarters on September 15, 2025.
• Allegations involve misleading investors in 2019 about IPO delays.
• HYBE executives allegedly sold shares to a fund created by company officials.
• Bang reportedly received 30% of the fund’s profits, totaling approximately 20 billion yen.
• Police raided HYBE headquarters in July 2025 as part of the investigation.
• Bang stated, “I will cooperate sincerely with today’s investigation.”
• HYBE is the agency behind global music group BTS.
Summary
Bang Si-hyuk, founder of HYBE, the agency representing BTS, is under investigation for alleged stock fraud. He appeared at Seoul police headquarters on September 15, 2025, following accusations of misleading investors in 2019 about IPO delays. This reportedly led to the sale of shares to a fund established by HYBE executives, from which Bang allegedly received 30% of the profits, amounting to approximately 20 billion yen. Police have been investigating the case since July 2025, including a raid on HYBE’s headquarters. Bang has expressed his intention to cooperate fully with the investigation.
