At the 64th General Meeting of the Federation of Korean Industries on February 20 KST, new member HYBE Labels, represented by chairman Bang Si Hyuk, joined the ranks alongside Dunamu, a stock trading platform.

Netizens were quick to notice a significant change in the chairman's appearance at the meeting:

"He looks so different now compared to before."

"There seems to be a sense of unhappiness in his new look. He appeared content when he was heavier."

"His recent weight loss gives him a somewhat sinister aura."

"Has something happened to him? He used to look more round and content."

"His facial expression seems to reflect a troubled past."

"He appears much older now."

"It's true that as you age, your true self becomes more visible on your face."

"His appearance reflects a life filled with greed."

"Sorry, but he resembles a Ghibli film villain now."

"Perhaps his past misdeeds are catching up with him, evident in his face."

While some speculated about his sudden return to Korea:

"When did he come back to Korea?"

"He should apologize for his actions instead of attending such meetings."

"I bet he'll head back to the States after dining with the elite."

"Looks like he finally discovered a successful weight loss program."

"If he's back in Korea, he should be in court not attending mundane meetings."

"He sneaked back to Korea when things calmed down a bit."

The day before, on February 19 KST, NJZ members' parents accused Bang Si Hyuk of obstructing the girl group's participation at 'ComplexCon Hong Kong' in March, amid reports of his LA mansion surviving a wildfire evacuation that included Beyoncé as his neighbor.