HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk's Bel-Air mansion reportedly survives devastating LA wildfire

On January 21, 2025, South Korean media outlet ize reported that the Bel-Air mansion owned by HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk narrowly escaped the recent Los Angeles wildfires that ravaged parts of the affluent neighborhood. The mansion, a luxurious estate boasting modern amenities and architectural significance, emerged unscathed amidst widespread destruction in the area.

Bang Si-hyuk, the founder of HYBE Corporation—home to global sensation BTS—acquired the Bel-Air mansion in April 2023 for approximately $26.4 million, as reported by The Korea Daily that same month. The property, located on Stradella Road, was previously owned by comedian Trevor Noah, who had purchased it in 2020 for $29 million.

In January 2025, Los Angeles faced a series of wildfires that swept through several neighborhoods, including parts of Bel-Air. The fires, fueled by dry conditions and strong Santa Ana winds, led to the evacuation of residents and caused significant property damage. The fire spread inland on the western coast, and over 12,000 properties were destroyed.

However, ize's report indicated that Bang Si-hyuk's mansion remained intact, while his neighboring property, owned by Beyoncé and Jay-Z, required evacuation.

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Bang Si-hyuk's Bel-Air mansion in Los Angeles: Purchase, investigation, and more details explored

The acquisition of the Bel-Air property underscored Bang Si-hyuk's strategic interest in expanding HYBE's influence within the US music and entertainment industry. The mansion not only serves as a personal residence but also as a venue for hosting industry events and fostering collaborations.

In July 2024, it was disclosed that Bang Si-hyuk purchased the property through a real estate company he wholly owns, called Bel Air Stradella LLC, registered in December 2023.

The revelation of Bang's property purchase came in response to an investigation by the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC). In June 2024, the KFTC initiated a probe into HYBE Corporation for potential omissions and inaccuracies in its state of affairs report.

As HYBE had been designated a conglomerate earlier that year, it was subject to stringent disclosure requirements, including the declaration of assets owned by major shareholders and their relatives.

The KFTC's scrutiny led to the identification of Bel Air Stradella LLC, a US-based real estate company registered in December 2023 and wholly owned by Bang Si-hyuk.

This entity was used to facilitate the purchase of the Bel-Air mansion. However, the omission of this information from HYBE's initial disclosures raised concerns about transparency and compliance with regulatory standards.

In July 2024, Korea JoongAng Daily reported that following the KFTC's findings, HYBE Corporation amended its state of affairs report to include the previously undisclosed information. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for HYBE stated,

"The omission was unintentional, and we have now made the necessary correction."

The mansion, located on Stradella Road, is an architectural marvel designed by renowned architect Mark Rios, as per the International Business Times in April 2023. Spanning approximately 11,400 square feet, the estate features six bedrooms and nine bathrooms.

Amenities include an infinity pool, a Japanese-style spa, an open-air pavilion, a wine room with a hidden elevator, and expansive glass walls offering panoramic views of Los Angeles. The property sits on nearly an acre of land, providing both luxury and privacy.

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In other news, Bang Si-hyuk also faced criticism for allegedly paying a former Weverse executive to create an "Internal Trends Document" of 18,000 pages. The document reportedly contained derogatory remarks towards K-pop groups like BLACKPINK, Stray Kids, NCT, NCT 127, IVE, and more.