Seoul Police Seek Arrest Warrant for Hybe Founder Bang Si-hyuk Over Pre-IPO Fraud Claims

Overview

• The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, which filed the request Tuesday, asked prosecutors to seek a detention warrant for Bang Si-hyuk on suspected fraud tied to Hybe’s stock listing.
• Investigators say Bang told investors in 2019 that an initial public offering was not planned, steering them to sell shares to a partner-linked private equity fund before Hybe’s October 2020 debut.
• Police allege the fund sold after the IPO and Bang received about 30% of the profits, totaling roughly 190–200 billion won, through a prior shareholder deal.
• Bang’s legal team denies wrongdoing, says he has followed the law, and vows continued cooperation with investigators.
• Hybe shares fell about 2.3–2.4% after the news in a market where South Korea has stepped up action on stock manipulation, with large illicit gains carrying potential multi-year prison terms.