Since July of this year, HYBE’s founder and chairman Bang Si Hyuk has been embroiled in controversy over alleged unfair trading activities worth 200 billion won. While HYBE has been subject to ρσℓι¢є raids, Bang himself has been placed under strict legal scrutiny and was even recently нιт with a travel ban, sending ѕнσ¢кwaves through the public.
According to the allegations, in 2019 Bang deliberately misled investors by suggesting that Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE) was unlikely to go public, even though the company was actively preparing for an IPO (a violation under the Capital Markets Act for unfair trading practices). Once the IPO process began, Bang is accused of illegally pocketing around 190 billion won.
Bang, who has remained largely silent throughout, issued only one official internal statement within HYBE in early August. In it, he explained that he had provided a detailed account during the financial regulator’s investigation and “hoped that the process would help clarify the matter,” while saying he would “humbly await the government’s decision.”
Despite these reαѕѕurances, the criminal allegations against Bang and recent government actions have put HYBE’s market valuation of about 12 trillion won ($8.65 billion) to the test—particularly in the wake of what the press has described as the company’s “string of failures” with SM’s stock battle, its conflict with former CEO Min Hee Jin, and ongoing issues surrounding NewJeans.
However, what has surprised many is that HYBE’s stock price has remained significantly higher than that of its rivals despite the turmoil. At market close on October 1 (the same day news of Bang’s travel ban was reported), HYBE shares stood at ₩268,000 KRW, compared to ₩73,800 KRW for JYP, ₩99,000 KRW for YG, and ₩128,000 KRW for SM.
Before and after the government’s latest action, HYBE’s stock has consistently traded between ₩250,000 and ₩270,000. Local equity analysts have maintained a “buy” recommendation on the company, signaling that its appeal to investors has not diminished.
Industry experts attribute this resilience largely to the imminent return of BTS members following their military service. Around the time HYBE came under investigation, BTS held a livestream announcing they had already begun preparations for their comeback album set for release in spring next year—news that quickly overshadowed the company’s legal troubles.
Adding to investor optimism, кσяєαn media reported late last month: “BTS’s 2026 world tour is expected to span eight months, from May to December, with 65 shows and a total au∂ιєnce of 4 million. Average attendance per show is projected to exceed 60,000. Operating profit is expected to rise by 100 billion won starting in Q2 next year when the tour kicks off,” sparking an enthusiastic response from global fans.
With BTS’s promising outlook, Hyundai Motor Securities has designated HYBE as the top stock in the кσяєαn content sector, even raising its target price to ₩380,000 KRW—demonstrating investors’ confidence and eagerness ahead of the group’s return.
Fans worldwide also appear far more focused on BTS’s upcoming activities than on Bang’s legal issues. They continue to follow the group’s public appearances and new schedules with great anticipation—and some even continue to express supportive sentiments toward Bang himself.
BTS’s return seems to guarantee HYBE a stable future, regardless of Bang Si Hyuk’s personal legal challenges!
