The US Embassy in South Korea has reportedly asked Korean police to allow Bang Si Hyuk to travel to the US, despite his current foreign travel ban.
According to reports, the embassy recently sent an official letter to the acting commissioner of the National Police Agency, requesting cooperation for Bang and other senior HYBE executives to visit the United States
The request outlined several key reasons for the proposed trip. Among them was participating in the upcoming 250th US Independence Day celebrations on July 4, as well as supporting BTS during their ongoing US tour.
These factors suggest that the visit could have both cultural and commercial significance, especially given HYBE’s strong presence in the global music market.
Bang Si-hyuk
" data-large-file="https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2025/10/01040139/bang-si-hyuk-travel-ban-190-billionpeople-suited-automobile-serious-arrival.jpeg" alt="Bang Si-hyuk travel ban ₩190 billion people '' 'uited' '' 'car' '' 'serious' '' 'arrival." class="wp-image-876399" srcset="https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2025/10/01040139/bang-si-hyuk-travel-ban-190-billionpeople-suited-automobile-serious-arrival.jpeg 610w, https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2025/10/01040139/bang-si-hyuk-travel-ban-190-billionpeople-suited-automobile-serious-arrival-390x266.jpeg 390w, https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2025/10/01040139/bang-si-hyuk-travel-ban-190-billionpeople-suited-automobile-serious-arrival-400x273.jpeg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px"/>However, the situation remains complicated. Bang Si Hyuk has been under an overseas travel ban since August last year due to an ongoing police investigation into alleged violations of capital market laws.
Authorities suspect that during HYBE’s listing process, existing shareholders were tricked into selling their shares, resulting in profits estimated at around KRW 190 billion (around $140 million).
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has been investigating the case for more than a year and officials said the investigation is now nearing completion.
Despite the letter reported by the embassy, police officers clarified that they had not yet formally received the request. They added that if such a request is made, it will be carefully examined based on legal principles.
An official noted that the investigation is in its final stages, currently undergoing legal analysis, and could conclude in the near future.
The development has caught the attention of the K-pop industry, as it involves one of its most influential figures and a major global player like HYBE.
With international events, BTS activities and legal proceedings intersecting, the outcome of this filing could have broader implications, not just for Bang Si Hyuk, but for the global operations of K-pop companies.
No decision has been made regarding the travel request at this time. The case highlights the delicate balance between legal liability and global commercial interests, especially in an internationally connected industry like K-pop.
Sources: Daum | Hankyoreh
