HYBE founder Bang Si Hyuk makes Billboard's Power 100 list amid controversy
Seoul, South Korea – Bang Si-hyuk, founder and chairman of K-pop powerhouse HYBE, home to global superstars BTS, has been named in Billboard's prestigious 'Power 100 List' for 2025, marking his fifth appearance among the industry's top executives. However, his recognition comes amid growing controversy involving HYBE and its subsidiary, ADOR.
Billboard released its annual ranking on Monday (U.S. local time), placing Bang and Scooter Braun, CEO of HYBE America, at No. 17 in the 'Leaderboard' category, which spotlights the top 40 figures shaping the music industry. Bang had previously made the list in 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
HYBE has been under scrutiny following allegations from Min Hee-jin, CEO of ADOR, the label behind the popular girl group 'NewJeans'. Min accused Bang and HYBE of excessive interference in the group's creative direction, suggesting that the company was exerting undue control over ADOR's artistic decisions. The dispute has sparked heated discussions within the K-pop industry, with fans expressing concerns about creative autonomy in idol management.
Further fueling controversy, Bang was recently spotted in Los Angeles with an adult content broadcaster, raising speculation about his activities and personal conduct. While HYBE has not commented on these reports, the incidents have drawn significant attention online.
Despite the ongoing turmoil, HYBE continues its global expansion. Billboard highlighted the company's joint venture with Geffen Records, which led to the debut of the girl group KATSEYE. Their debut EP, SIS (Soft Is Strong) , achieved 115,000 U.S. equivalent album units in 2024, with 97 million on-demand streams.
Meanwhile, Braun emphasised HYBE's growing Weverse platform, which hosted over 100 online concerts, sold 18 million merchandise items, and released 18 Weverse albums, amassing 5.7 million units in sales. With artists such as Kid LAROI, Ariana Grande, Megan Thee Stallion, and Dua Lipa joining the platform, HYBE aims for further expansion in 2025.
Adding to the industry shake-up, Joseph Chang, co-CEO of Kakao Entertainment, ranked No. 15 in the 'Multisector' category. Billboard recognised Kakao Entertainment's work on the BBC series Made in Korea: The K-pop Experience , which followed five British trainees undergoing K-pop training in South Korea.
While Bang Si-hyuk's position in the global music industry remains strong, the controversies surrounding HYBE and his personal conduct continue to generate debate among industry insiders and fans alike.
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