BTS’s upcoming world tour was cited as the key reason for the request.
Koreaboo
3 minutes ago
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.
Bang Si Hyuk | Korea Herald
The Embassy’s letter reportedly cited discussions about BTS‘s upcoming world tour as the key reason for the request.
BTS started their “Arirang” world tour in Goyang earlier this month. | BigHit Music
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.