PSY, the South Korean star who turned “Gangnam Style” into a global anthem, is now facing questions far removed from music. According to The New York Post, authorities are investigating whether the singer used others to collect prescription medications on his behalf—a practice that may violate South Korea’s Medical Services Act.
Officials say that over the past three years, PSY enlisted people to pick up prescriptions for drugs including the sleep aid Stilnox and the anti-anxiety medication Xanax. Under South Korean law, only close family members or registered caregivers are permitted to collect such prescriptions, a safeguard designed to protect patient privacy and medical accountability.
The inquiry began after an anonymous tip reached investigators. Police have since seized records from the clinic that issued the prescriptions and taken into custody the physician who wrote them. That doctor has denied any misconduct.
P Nation points to treatment, as PSY concedes error
PSY’s label, P Nation, responded quickly. The company confirmed that he has long struggled with a chronic sleep disorder and that the medications were prescribed by a licensed physician. It acknowledged, however, that “there were occasions when someone other than PSY collected the medication,” while insisting “there was no formal proxy prescribing.”
In remarks reported by The Korea Biomedical Review, PSY himself apologized, calling the matter “a clear mistake and negligence.”
PSY shot to international fame in 2012 with “Gangnam Style,” which soared to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and broke YouTube viewing records. He followed with “Gentleman,” another hit that climbed to No. 5. While his later work has not reached the same heights, his role in bringing K-pop into the global mainstream remains undeniable.
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