PSY, the South Korean superstar who took over the world with Gangnam Style, is now facing a very different kind of spotlight. According to The New York Post, investigators are looking into whether he violated South Korea’s Medical Services Act by having others pick up prescription drugs on his behalf.
First, let’s go down memory lane. PSY became a global sensation in 2012 when Gangnam Style hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and shattered YouTube viewership records. He followed that success with Gentleman, which climbed to No. 5. While his later releases did not reach the same international heights, his impact in introducing K pop to mainstream audiences worldwide remains significant.
Authorities claim that over the past three years, PSY had people collect medications including the sleep aid Stilnox and the anti anxiety drug Xanax. Under South Korean law, only immediate family or registered caregivers are allowed to pick up such prescriptions, a rule meant to protect patient privacy and maintain accountability.
The investigation reportedly began after an anonymous tip. Police have since seized records from the clinic that provided the prescriptions and taken the doctor who issued them into custody. That physician has denied any wrongdoing.
PSY’s label, P Nation, issued a statement confirming that he has been dealing with a chronic sleep disorder and that the medications were legally prescribed. The label admitted, however, that “there were occasions when someone other than PSY collected the medication,” while stressing that “there was no formal proxy prescribing.”
Speaking to The Korea Biomedical Review, PSY took responsibility, calling the situation “a clear mistake and negligence.”