South Korean Prosecutors Reject Police Arrest Warrant for HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk; Police Weigh Re-Filing

South Korean prosecutors reject a police request for an arrest warrant targeting HYBE Corporation chairman Bang Si-hyuk, citing insufficient evidence. The police had alleged investor fraud: that Bang misled early HYBE shareholders in 2019 ahead of the company's 2020 IPO, allegedly collecting approximately 30% of proceeds (roughly KRW 190 billion / $129 million) via a private equity side arrangement without disclosing it to co-investors. Prosecutors determined the case requires further investigation before an arrest threshold is met. Police are reportedly considering re-filing. Bang has publicly denied all wrongdoing. The case is separate from HYBE's ongoing operations: the ARIRANG World Tour is proceeding on schedule, HYBE's Q1 2026 earnings posted a record $478 million in revenue, and no change in Bang's executive role has been announced. The legal situation first drew international media coverage in late April 2026 via Variety, Deadline, and Korean broadcaster reporting. Analysts from NH Securities and Hanwha Investment maintain HYBE buy ratings, noting the legal proceedings are unlikely to materially affect the BTS comeback revenue arc through 2026–2027.