South Korean Prosecutors Again Reject Police Arrest Warrant for HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk

On May 7, 2026, South Korean prosecutors declined for the second time to approve a police request for an arrest warrant targeting HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk — citing insufficient supplementary investigation by the police. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency had re-filed the warrant request after prosecutors' initial rejection in late April 2026, adding supplementary evidence related to allegations that Bang deceived early HYBE investors in 2019 by concealing IPO plans while encouraging them to sell stakes at undervalue, allegedly generating approximately 260 billion KRW (~$179M USD) in illegal profits after the 2020 HYBE IPO. Bang has been under a travel ban since August 2025. The US Embassy reportedly sent a letter requesting that Bang be allowed to travel to attend the BTS ARIRANG World Tour abroad, which prosecutors are weighing. Bang has denied all allegations. Korea Times, Korea Herald, and allkpop all reported the second rejection on May 7. The development coincides with Night 1 of the ARIRANG World Tour in Mexico City, highlighting the continuing legal cloud over HYBE's top leadership even as BTS's commercial and tour momentum remains strong.