SEOUL, September 3, 2026, 23:30 (KST) — HYBE (352820.KS) shares climbed 0.7% following news that the case involving its founder, tied to ₩263 billion, has been forwarded to prosecutors.
- HYBE finished the session at ₩177,000, gaining 0.7%, following a referral involving its founder.
- Police claim improper IPO gains totaled ₩263.1 billion.
- The sum in question represents roughly 3.5% of HYBE’s market capitalisation.
- Second-quarter sales hit a record, providing a firmer operating buffer.
Shares of HYBE Co., Ltd. KRX:352820 rose 0.7% on Thursday. The stock maintained its gains following news that police had referred founder Bang Si-hyuk to prosecutors.
The closure signals there is no sudden operational disruption. However, the situation introduces a governance discount even as BTS drives earnings recovery.
HYBE closed at ₩177,000, up from ₩175,700 on Wednesday. The stock ranged from ₩175,900 to ₩179,900 during the session Investing.com.
HYBE’s seven-session close
KRW per share ·
Police allege Bang deceived investors ahead of the 2019 IPO process. Authorities claim he subsequently obtained ₩263.1 billion in undeserved profits Yonhap.
Bang remains free and has not been taken into custody. According to his legal representatives, they anticipate the matter will be “fully and transparently resolved through the legal process” Associated Press.
Prosecutors previously turned down two arrest requests. They may call for further investigation prior to making a decision on whether to file charges.
The allegation’s scale and process
3.53% of HYBE’s ₩7.45 trillion market value
This compares scale only. The alleged gain is not a reported company fine or loss. Sources: Yonhap and Investing.com.
The investigation relates to a transaction that took place before the listing, rather than HYBE’s business activities. Nonetheless, Bang is still listed as chairman on the company’s leadership page.
The link highlights governance. Investors need to assess management oversight as they consider the group’s stronger profit base.
Revenue for the second quarter surged to a record ₩1.45 trillion, doubling from the previous year. Operating profit climbed to ₩170.9 billion, compared with ₩65.9 billion Yonhap.
Net profit increased by 613% to ₩109.8 billion, but this figure was approximately 9.6% below the analyst consensus of ₩121.4 billion.
The operating cushion rebuilt
Second quarter 2026 versus a year earlier
Operating margins calculated from reported revenue and profit. Source: Yonhap.
The stock is still trading 1.7% under its closing price from August 28. It is also down 56% from the referenced 52-week peak.
No decision date has been set for next week. An indictment or a call for further investigation would change the governance risk.
Risks: Prosecutors could choose not to press charges, which may reduce the discount. If an indictment occurs, it could increase examination of HYBE’s previous disclosures.
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