HYBE raided in scandal: What it means for BTS’s comeback

In a dramatic turn of events, police raided HYBE’s headquarters on July 24 as part of an ongoing investigation into chairman Bang Si Hyuk’s alleged illegal trading tied to the company’s IPO. According to The Korea Herald, the raid, led by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, is looking into claims that Bang misled investors and profited illegally ahead of BTS’s meteoric rise and HYBE’s stock market debut. The case has now been forwarded to prosecution, raising the real possibility of jail time for the man who built HYBE around BTS.

As the scandal deepens, fans are asking: Will BTS’s highly-anticipated 2025 comeback be derailed?

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BTS is expected to return next year as the group has completed their military service. The group is currently in the US working on new music, but the company’s legal troubles could slow momentum. With HYBE’s leadership preoccupied, promotional activities and launch planning could suffer delays, and BTS’s comeback might not get the full backing it deserves.

ARMY, BTS’s global fanbase, remains loyal, but not without questions. Some fans have been vocal about wanting the group to cut ties with Bang Si Hyuk, especially in light of HYBE’s ongoing feud with ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin and the internal turbulence that’s followed. For many, trust in HYBE’s leadership continues to waver.

With the spotlight now on both HYBE’s legal defense and BTS’s comeback, the coming months will be critical for the group and the fans across the world.

Khaleej Times Staff

webteam@khaleejtimes.com