Archive · 25 Jul 2025
HYBE's Seoul Office Searched Amidst Trading Allegations
The police searched the office of HYBE, the company behind the band BTS.
The investigation is about their chairman, Bang Si Hyuk, who is accused of cheating.
It's said that before the company went public, he tricked some shareholders.
If he's found guilty, he could go to jail.
HYBE says they did nothing wrong and are cooperating with the police.
South Korean police raided HYBE's Seoul headquarters on July 24.
The raid is part of an investigation into chairman Bang Si Hyuk.
Bang is accused of unfair trading under the Capital Markets Act.
The allegations involve deception of minority shareholders before the 2020 IPO.
HYBE denies all allegations and states compliance with regulations.
- Who
- The Financial Crimes Investigation Unit is investigating HYBE and chairman Bang Si Hyuk.
- What
- The Seoul headquarters of HYBE were searched by police.
- When
- July 24, 2025
- Where
- Seoul, South Korea
- Why
- To investigate allegations of fraudulent and unfair trading under the Capital Markets Act.
Allegations
Denials
Compliance with Regulations
Allegations
Bang Si Hyuk and other executives deceived minority shareholders before the IPO to benefit from share sales.
Denials
HYBE denies the allegations and asserts that the IPO was carried out in full compliance with the law.
- Company
- HYBE
- Chairman
- Bang Si Hyuk
- Accusation
- Fraudulent and unfair trading
- Investigation Agency
- Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency
- Location of Search
- HYBE's Seoul Headquarters, Yongsan District
- Potential Penalty
- Life imprisonment or a minimum of five years in prison
- Involved Act
- Capital Markets Act