On November 17, ḳöŕệän media widely reported that BTS members were found to have sold all their shares in HYBE. This has created a huge stir and public confusion about the relationship between BTS and HYBE as well as the stock potential of this Kpop empire.

There are many debates happening on SNS related to this issue. It also includes ḧïẗting HYBE's stock value heavily in today's trading session. Faced with this situation, HYBE officials spoke up to clarify the truth.

A few hours ago, HYBE gave an official response to the press about their relationship with BTS as well as the truth about the story of BTS selling off all their shares:

Most fans know that BTS owns a small amount of shares in HYBE after being gifted by Bang PD in 2022. According to some information at the time, Bang Sihyuk distributed 68,385 shares to each member BTS. Each BTS member held about 7.87 million USD worth of shares when HYBE was first listed on the stock exchange.

The number of shares that Bang PD let BTS hold accounts for 1.41% of the company's shares. The purpose of Bang PD's decision to transfer part of his own shares in the group is to show his and the company's appreciation for the contributions of the 7 members. That is also a long-term commitment in the relationship between Bang PD and BTS.

Since then, BTS is said to be part of the executive board of the leading Kpop empire. However, over the years, some members have sold part of their shares for various personal purposes. But none of them completely sold or transferred all their shares to another individual.

Until the 20th of this month, a news report reported that all seven members had completed the sale of all their shares in HYBE from September 20.  According to the Financial Supervisory Service's Electronic Disclosure System (DART) on the 14th, all members sold their HYBE shares on stock market. Based on closing price of September 20(KRW 243,000), sale amount is about Jin 12.7 billion won (52,385 shares), j-hope 15.3 billion won (62,784 shares), RM 14.1 billion won (58,000 shares), SUGA 16.6 billion won (68,385 shares), Jimin 16.6 billion won (68,385 shares), V 16.6 billion won (68,385 shares), and Jungkook 16.6 billion won (68,385 shares), worth a total of 108.5 billion won. As a result, all BTS members is out of affiliated relationship(특별관계) with HYBE.

This news has caused widespread confusion as many people wonder if HYBE and BTS's relationship is really okay? What made them sell all their stocks at once? Does it stem from BTS's falling sales during their hiatus? There are even conspiracy theories that it heralds an alarming period for HYBE's stock.

Similarly, a series of unfavorable news targets HYBE while investors are afraid to invest in HYBE's shares. HYBE shares in today's trading session also witnessed an alarming decline. According to ̾k̾o̾r̾e̾a Exchange, as of 10:15 a.m., HYBE was trading at 196,200 won, down 4.53% from the previous day. HYBE's stock price recently dropped 5% following Netmarble's block purchase on the 7th, and has since gone up and down, increasing volatility.

As the confusion escalates, HYBE realizes they cannot help the situation. In an article responding to a Yonhap News reporter, an official representing HYBE affirmed that the BTS members did not sell their positions but that their status as special shareholders had ended.

He stated, "The members did not sell their shares. It only means that their shareholder contract with Bang Si Hyuk has ended and will therefore no longer be considered a special related party." . This has nothing to do with the sale of shares or changes in shares."

This shows that the news reported previously was false, in fact all BTS members did not sell their shares in HYBE. Here, BTS only terminated their "special related party" position because their shareholder contract with Bang Si Hyuk ended. Even in the future, BTS still has the right to participate in the company's affairs with the shares they currently own.

Years ago, BTS's shares meant they had to vote with Bang PD and they didn't have usual voting rights as other stakeholders did. Now, they are out of the "special stakeholder" category, and can vote by themselves. With new contract it was already disclosed potential new stocks may be given to them as well!