Overview

• A News Tong report on August 13 said HYBE founder Bang Si Hyuk rushed back to Seoul on August 11 for questioning in a stock-fraud investigation tied to HYBE’s 2020 IPO.
• Multiple entertainment sites cited that report to allege BTS’s U.S. album sessions came to a standstill following his departure.
• Outlets including PinkVilla and Bollywood Life have noted the lack of independent verification and expressed skepticism that recording would pause over the probe.
• BTS remains in Los Angeles collaborating with producers such as Charlie Puth and Diplo for a comeback slated in spring 2026 and has shared behind-the-scenes studio footage.
• Bang Si Hyuk emailed HYBE staff pledging full cooperation with investigators and expressing regret for any impact his situation may have on artists’ work.