SEOUL, Aug. 7 -- Hybe chairman Bang Si-hyuk has announced he will return to South Korea to fully cooperate with an investigation into alleged unfair trading practices tied to the company's initial public offering (IPO).

In an internal email to employees yesterday, Bang expressed regret over the confusion and concern caused by the controversy, according to a report by Yonhap.

"As founder and chairman, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to do everything in my power to ensure nothing takes away from the hard-earned attention and praise your work continues to receive," he wrote.

"I am committed to a swift resolution to these matters, so that you may focus on what you do best - creating and sharing entertainment and culture that resonate...