South Korean tech leader Kim Beom-su, also known as Brian Kim, has been charged with manipulating stock prices.
Kim, who founded Kakao, is accused of buying up shares in K-pop agency SM Entertainment to boost its stock price and block a rival bid from another company, Hybe, which manages the popular K-pop group BTS.
Kim has been in custody for over two weeks, and Kakao has stated that he did not approve or support any illegal actions. The charges are linked to a bidding war last year when Kakao acquired nearly 40% of SM Entertainment’s shares.
This case has surprised many in South Korea, as Kim is a well-known figure in the tech industry. He is now the most notable tech executive to face serious legal trouble in South Korea since Samsung’s chairman was imprisoned in 2017 for bribery.
Kim’s company, Kakao, is a major player in South Korea, operating the country’s largest messaging app and various other online services.
Despite recent issues, Kakao reported a rise in profits just before Kim’s indictment. This news highlights the tension and scrutiny facing high-profile tech leaders in South Korea today.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c720y4525k9o