United States Request HYBE Bang Si Hyuk’s Travel Ban Be Lifted Due To BTS’s World Tour
The US Embassy in Korea has sent a letter to the National Police Agency requesting that the travel ban on HYBE Chairman Bang Si Hyuk be lifted, TV Chosun reported on April 19.
The Embassy’s letter reportedly cited discussions about BTS‘s upcoming world tour as the key reason for the request.
According to Hankook Ilbo, the letter also mentions attending President Donald Trump’s special July 4 celebrations for the 250th US Independence Day as another reason.
Bang has been under a travel ban since August last year amid a police investigation into alleged violations of the Capital Markets Act.
The charges against him are serious. Bang is accused of misleading investors before HYBE’s 2019 IPO, and of convincing them that the listing would be delayed. He allegedly pocketed around ₩190 billion KRW (about $130 million USD) through the scheme. While Bang Si Hyuk’s camp has denied all charges, he remains under investigation.
Police Reportedly Considering Arrest Warrant For HYBE’s Bang Si Hyuk
The US Embassy did not respond when TV Chosun asked about the specific circumstances behind the letter or its position on the matter.
