The court has requested HYBE Chairman Bang Si Hyuk to provide testimony in a trial concerning stock manipulation allegations linked to SM Entertainment. According to legal sources, the Seoul Southern District Court’s Criminal Agreement Division 15 has issued a witness summons on May 8th for Bang to appear in court on June 20th. The case centers on Kakao founder Kim Beom Soo, who is accused of violating the Capital Markets Act by colluding with One Asia Partners and others to manipulate stock prices during the acquisition of SM Entertainment in February 2023. Allegedly, Bang advised Kim against pursuing the takeover, but Kim proceeded with the acquisition despite HYBE's offer. Prosecutors aim to question Bang to shed light on the discussions that took place during Kakao's acquisition of SM Entertainment.