Prosecutors Reject Police Arrest Warrant for HYBE Chairman a Second Time — Travel Ban Continues

South Korean prosecutors on May 7, 2026 rejected for the second time a Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency request for an arrest warrant against HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk, citing insufficient supplementary investigation. The police had re-filed after an initial rejection in late April 2026. Bang faces allegations of deceiving early HYBE investors in 2019 by encouraging them to sell equity stakes at undervalue, allegedly generating approximately 260 billion KRW (~$179M USD) in illicit gains following the 2020 HYBE IPO. Bang has been under a travel ban since August 2025. The US Embassy reportedly sent a letter requesting permission for Bang to travel to attend the BTS ARIRANG World Tour abroad — a request prosecutors are still evaluating. Bang has denied all allegations. The second rejection may complicate further police action, though the investigation remains ongoing. Korea Times and Korea Herald confirmed the development on May 7 — the same night BTS performed Night 1 in Mexico City.