Bang Si-hyuk Arrest Warrant Looming? Seoul Police Deepen 2026 HYBE Investigation

The architect behind the global K-pop empire is under intense legal pressure. South Korean police are reportedly deciding whether to request an arrest warrant for HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk as a long-running capital markets investigation reaches a critical juncture in early 2026.

The Bang Si-hyuk Arrest Warrant and Investigation Context

According to Koreaboo, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s Financial Crime Investigation Unit has focused its probe on HYBE's activities during its pre-IPO phase in 2019. Authorities are examining allegations of capital markets violations that occurred while the company was transitioning into a public giant. Despite the length of the investigation, a definitive conclusion hasn't been reached, leaving investors and fans in a state of uncertainty.

Market Impact and Corporate Governance

Industry experts note that the potential for an arrest warrant for Bang Si-hyuk poses a significant governance risk for HYBE. While the company's business performance remains robust, the ongoing legal drama casts a shadow over its strategic decisions. The police haven't officially confirmed the warrant request but are facing growing public pressure to resolve the case.