Full Breakdown
Psy Under Investigation for Alleged Illegal Prescription Drug Practices
8/30/2025, 2:35:29 PM
Overview of the Investigation
South Korean singer Psy, known globally for his 2012 hit "Gangnam Style," is currently under investigation by the Seoul Seodaemun Police Station for allegedly obtaining prescription medications illegally. The investigation, which began on August 28, 2025, centers around claims that Psy, whose real name is Park Jae-sang, used third parties, including his manager, to collect prescriptions for Xanax and Stilnox without attending required in-person consultations with a doctor. These medications are typically prescribed for anxiety and insomnia and are classified as psychotropic drugs in South Korea, necessitating strict regulations regarding their distribution.
Allegations and Legal Context
The allegations suggest that Psy has been procuring these medications since 2022, bypassing South Korean laws that mandate direct consultations for prescriptions of controlled substances. Under the Medical Service Act, only doctors who have physically examined a patient can issue prescriptions, and medications cannot be collected by anyone other than the patient. Following a tip-off, police conducted a raid on the university hospital involved and seized medical records as part of their investigation.
Official Responses
Psy's agency, P Nation, issued a statement acknowledging that having a third party collect prescription medications was a "clear mistake and oversight." They emphasized that Psy has a chronic sleep disorder and has been using the medications under medical supervision, asserting that there was no "proxy prescribing." The agency's statement reflects a partial admission of wrongdoing, as they confirmed that third parties had collected medications on Psy's behalf.
Criticism from Medical Authorities
The Korean Medical Association (KMA) has weighed in on the situation, labeling the allegations as a serious matter that could impact public safety. They called for a thorough investigation and emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of laws surrounding prescription medications, particularly in light of the increasing prevalence of telemedicine. The KMA plans to verify the facts through an expert review panel and collaborate with government authorities to prevent future violations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Psy's doctor has denied any wrongdoing, claiming that consultations were conducted remotely, the legality of such practices remains contentious. The police investigation is ongoing, and it remains unclear whether the prescriptions were issued correctly under current laws. The situation has sparked a national debate regarding telemedicine and its implications for prescription drug access in South Korea.
What's Next
As the investigation unfolds, police may summon Psy for questioning based on the medical records obtained during the raid. The outcome of this case could have broader implications for telemedicine practices and prescription regulations in South Korea, particularly for high-profile individuals.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Having had a third party collect a prescription-only sleeping medication on his behalf was clearly a mistake and an oversight.” — P Nation
- “During a regular briefing on August 28, the KMA emphasized, “The recent allegations that a well-known celebrity received prescription psychotropic drugs and had them collected by a third party should not be seen merely as a personal issue.” — Korean Medical Association
