U.S. Embassy Request for Bang Si-hyuk’s Travel Sparks Diplomatic Friction Amid Arrest Warrant Application

The U.S. Embassy in Korea has requested that South Korean authorities lift the travel ban on HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk to facilitate his attendance at diplomatic and business events in the United States. In response, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency applied for an arrest warrant against Bang, who is under investigation for alleged multi-billion won capital market violations.

Key Facts

• On April 21, 2026, the U.S. Embassy sent a letter to the National Police Agency requesting travel clearance for Bang Si-hyuk, CEO Lee Jae-sang, and Vice President Kim Hyun-jung to attend U.S. 250th Independence Day celebrations and support BTS’s world tour.
• Bang Si-hyuk has been under a travel ban since August 2025 following allegations that he earned 190 billion won (~$146M USD) in unfair profits by deceiving investors regarding 2019 IPO plans.
• One day after the embassy's request surfaced, police applied for an arrest warrant, citing the severity of the crime and risks of evidence destruction or flight.
• Police reported that Bang replaced his mobile phone immediately before the investigation, raising suspicions of tampering.
• Legal experts and civic groups criticized the U.S. Embassy's direct request to police as a violation of diplomatic protocol and South Korean sovereignty.
• HYBE representatives denied knowledge of the embassy’s letter and stated they did not officially request to lift the travel ban.
• HYBE stock prices fell 2.55% following the arrest warrant application.

Key Terms

• Capital Markets Act: A South Korean law regulating financial investment; violations involving fraudulent profits exceeding 5 billion won (~$3.8M USD) can result in life imprisonment.
• Travel Ban: A legal restriction preventing an individual under investigation from leaving the country to ensure appearance at summons or prevent flight.
• Arrest Warrant: A court-issued document authorizing detention based on probable cause and the necessity of preventing evidence destruction or flight.

Key Quote

The investigation regarding Chairman Bang is almost complete. It is under legal review, and I think we can conclude it in the not-too-distant future. — Park Jeong-bo, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police

Next

• The Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office will review the arrest warrant request to determine the necessity of detention.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will monitor the investigation before responding to the U.S. Embassy's request.