Overview

• Seoul Metropolitan Police’s financial crimes unit conducted a raid and seizure at HYBE’s Yongsan headquarters on July 24 to find evidence linked to its 2020 IPO.
• Founder Bang Si-hyuk is under investigation for allegedly misleading early investors and profiting about 200 billion won (US$146 million) from the stock listing.
• HYBE has denied any legal violation, stating its stock offering complied with all relevant regulations and pledging full cooperation with investigators.
• Before their military enlistment, BTS generated over 5.5 trillion won in annual economic impact, representing roughly 0.2% of South Korea’s GDP.
• HYBE affirmed its plans for a BTS album release and global tour in 2026 despite the ongoing investigation.