Bang Si-hyuk is set to be questioned by police over HYBE's IPO allegations. BTS is in Los Angeles actively recording their new album for a 2026 comeback. The group's positive creative momentum continues separately from the chairman's legal challenges.
Behind the global sensation that is BTS stands one of the music industry's most visionary figures, Bang Si-hyuk. As the founder and chairman of HYBE, Bang's strategic genius transformed a small management company into a multi-label entertainment empire.
His belief in BTS's potential, even before their meteoric rise, was unwavering. He fostered a creative environment where the members could freely contribute to their music and narrative, ultimately crafting a unique bond with a massive global audience that became the bedrock of their unprecedented success. This success, however, was a double-edged sword in the company's early days.
Source: Instagram/hitmanb72
While hits like "I NEED U", "Blood Sweat & Tears," and "Spring Day" propelled them to international fame, early investors were cautious. They were acutely aware of the risks of relying on a single act, especially with the looming mandatory military service for the BTS members. At the time, internal discussions at HYBE, then Big Hit Entertainment, focused more on securing large-scale global investment to ensure stable growth rather than an immediate public listing.
A Summons and a Stock Market Storm
Now, the very architect of this success is facing serious legal scrutiny. According to industry reports, police are set to summon and question Bang Si Hyuk regarding allegations of fraudulent transactions related to HYBE’s initial public offering (IPO) back in 2019.
The core of the accusation is that Bang misled these early investors by claiming there were no plans for a public listing, only to then arrange for shares to be sold to private equity funds established by associates.
After the wildly successful IPO, these private funds sold the shares, and Bang allegedly received 30 percent of the capital gains through pre-arranged shareholder agreements. The situation arose from early investors seeking to manage their risk; faced with uncertainty, they opted to sell their shares and requested Bang to identify potential buyers.
Reportedly, Bang promised downside protection clauses to them, agreeing to buy back shares at higher prices if the IPO did not occur by a set date, while receiving 30 percent of profits if the IPO went ahead.
Bang has firmly denied any wrongdoing, arguing that:
"He did not deceive early investors and that the share sale terms, including profit distribution, were proposed by the investors themselves."
BTS in LA: Focused on the Future Amidst Company Turmoil
Ironically, as their mentor faces this challenge in South Korea, BTS themselves are oceans away, entirely focused on their future. The group has been captured in full force in Los Angeles, USA, where they are deeply immersed in working on their highly anticipated new album.
Source: Instagram/uarmyhope
This follows their official and highly emotional announcement of a full-group comeback, made during a historic Weverse live broadcast in July. This broadcast marked their first appearance as a complete unit in nearly two years and nine months, celebrating the end of their mandatory military service.
Jimin kicked off the emotional reunion by declaring, "We're back. We're finally all together again," a moment that sent waves of joy through the global ARMY fandom.
During that stream, leader RM set the timeline in motion, confirming the group would immediately begin working together, with V enthusiastically announcing "Next spring!" as the target for their grand return.
Jimin added crucial context, explaining:
"Some of you might have expected something right after we were discharged, but we couldn’t prepare anything while serving. We need to start from now."
This current trip to the U.S. is the direct execution of that plan, with J-Hope’s recent social media posts offering proof. The images showed the members standing together against the backdrop of an American beach, their unwavering visuals and close friendship on full display.
More intriguingly, other photos showed them concentrating intently on their work in front of a microphone, officially revealing their new album recording site.
Fans erupted with reactions like:
“This photo is like a gift.”
“I can’t wait for their comeback."
“It’s really nice to see them all together!!”
This aligns with HYBE's official announcement of a new album and a large-scale world tour scheduled for next spring in 2026, a testament to their unwavering professional dedication and BTS's promise to fans.
Source: Chosun, AllKpop, Instagram/uarmyhope
He’s always been part of BTS’s story. Even if someone had to replace him, no one could carry the same connection with the boys. I just hope the truth comes out soon and BTS can focus on their music