A scandal has rocked HYBE, the agency managing global K-pop superstar BTS. South Korean prosecutors have charged three employees from HYBE subsidiaries with insider trading. The charges stem from allegations that these employees sold HYBE shares before the official announcement of BTS’s hiatus on June 14, 2022.
BTS Hiatus: Was Insider Information Exploited?
HYBE Staff Face Insider Trading Charges Following BTS Hiatus Disclosure
According to a BBC report, the prosecutors allege these employees sold HYBE shares before the official announcement, profiting from the knowledge of the impending news. This news sent HYBE’s stock price plummeting a staggering 25% when markets opened, wiping out nearly 2 trillion won (US$1.4 billion) from the company’s value.
The accused employees, who reportedly worked with BTS for 8–10 years, are alleged to have used their access to confidential information to avoid significant personal financial losses. They are accused of profiting anywhere from US$24,000 to over US$108,000 by selling their shares before the public announcement.
Mandatory Military Service
In June 2022, the entertainment world was shaken by the news of BTS taking a break to focus on solo careers. Although the official announcement for BTS’s hiatus mentioned solo projects, many analysts suspected there was more to the story, including South Korea’s mandatory military service.
Due to the ongoing tensions with North Korea, the country requires all healthy men to serve 18 months before turning 28. Subsequently, all band members were drafted in the following months and years.
JIN, the eldest member, recently completed his service and was discharged earlier this month. The remaining six members—j-hope, V, RM, Jimin, Jungkook, and SUGA—are currently fulfilling their obligations. As a result, a full-group reunion isn’t expected until June 2025.
This extended hiatus throws a wrench into the band’s momentum and the revenue streams of HYBE. As one of the world’s most influential and successful music groups, BTS has been a cornerstone of HYBE’s financial success and global reputation. Therefore, their hiatus, due to mandatory military service, marks a significant shift for the company.
Beyond BTS: Can Entertainment Companies Secure Sensitive Information?
This case highlights the seriousness of insider trading and its potential to disrupt the financial markets. In addition, this raises concerns about the industry’s current practices for information security. It also raises questions about how entertainment companies handle sensitive information and prevent leaks that could be exploited for personal gain. Can entertainment companies effectively safeguard sensitive information like upcoming project announcements, financial data, and artist details? The HYBE case serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust security measures to prevent insider trading and other malicious activity.
