Kakao Founder’s Trial Melds Kpop, Billionaires and Markets (1)

Kakao Corp.’s founder goes on trial Wednesday to face allegations of rigging prices during the takeover battle for K-pop powerhouse SM Entertainment Co., a watershed moment for South Korea’s internet and media industries.

Brian Kim — who built a simple messaging service into a $22 billion empire spanning social media, content and fintech — is grappling with charges he tried to thwart BTS-agency Hybe Co.’s rival bid by pushing up SM’s price. The billionaire entrepreneur goes on trial in Seoul alongside three former and current Kakao executives, also charged with manipulating the target’s stock.

Brian Kim, center, arrives at the Seoul Southern District Court in July.

Photographer: SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg

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