HYBE’s Bang Si Hyuk Seeks Lift of US Travel Ban Amid BTS World Tour
Bang Si Hyuk is facing a travel ban lift request from the US Embassy in Korea amid his ongoing legal troubles.
The US Embassy reportedly sent a letter to Korea’s National Police Agency asking for the travel ban on HYBE Chairman Bang Si Hyuk to be lifted. According to TV Chosun’s April 19 report, the Embassy cited discussions about BTS’ upcoming world tour as the main reason for the request.
The letter also mentioned Bang’s planned attendance at President Donald Trump’s special July 4 event celebrating the 250th US Independence Day, as reported by Hankook Ilbo.
Bang Si Hyuk has been under a travel ban since August last year due to a police investigation into alleged violations of the Capital Markets Act. He is accused of misleading investors before HYBE’s 2019 IPO and of convincing them that the listing would be delayed. Bang allegedly gained around ₩190 billion KRW (about $130 million USD) from this scheme. His camp denies all charges, but the investigation is ongoing.
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The US Embassy has not commented on the specifics or its stance regarding the letter when approached by TV Chosun.
Source: TV Chosun, Hankook Ilbo