According to the DongA Ilbo on 27/8, the Seodaemun Police Station is investigating singer Psy for violating South Korea's "Medical Service Act" after receiving a criminal complaint.

Psy is suspected of receiving prescriptions for the psychotropic drugs Xanax and Stilnox from a general hospital in Seoul from 2022 until recently without undergoing in-person medical examinations, instead having his manager pick up the medications.

Xanax is used to treat anxiety disorders and reduce symptoms, while Stilnox is a prescription drug effective in treating short-term insomnia in adults. Both are psychotropic drugs that require a direct diagnosis and prescription from a doctor due to their high potential for dependence and addiction.

Singer Psy. Photo: Joongang Ilbo

Singer Psy. Photo: Joongang Ilbo

In an official statement on 28/8, Psy's management company, P NATION, acknowledged some of the allegations and apologized for the scandal.

The company stated, "Psy was diagnosed with chronic sleep disorder and is taking sleeping pills as prescribed by a doctor. Psy's use of sleeping pills has always been medically supervised, with appropriate prescribed dosages." P NATION denied any wrongdoing in the prescription process but admitted that there were instances where someone else picked up the sleeping pills on Psy's behalf. The company confirmed that the police are investigating.

Police have also detained the medical professional who prescribed the medication to Psy and searched the hospital to collect Psy's medical records. The doctor reportedly denied the allegations and asserted that the treatment was conducted remotely.

Psy, 47, whose real name is Park Jae-sang, gained global fame with the hit singles ‘Gangnam Style’ (2012) and ‘Gentleman’ (2013). The ‘Gangnam Style’ music video was the first video to reach 1 billion views on YouTube and was the most-watched video on the platform from 11/2012 to 7/2017.

Tue Anh