Seoul, August 28, 2025 – Korean singer Psy (real name Park Jae-sang), internationally known for the hit Gangnam Style, is under investigation for allegedly violating South Korea’s Medical Service Act. Police are looking into whether prescriptions for psychiatric medications were improperly issued and filled on his behalf by third parties.
Allegations of Proxy Prescriptions
According to Seoul Seodaemun Police, Psy has been prescribed psychiatric medications such as Xanax and Stilnox—drugs commonly used for insomnia, anxiety, and depression. These medications are known to carry risks of dependency and addiction, which is why the law requires prescriptions to be written directly by a doctor who has personally examined the patient.
Authorities suspect that Psy’s manager and others may have collected prescriptions or medications on his behalf without a direct medical consultation, a practice prohibited under Korean medical law. Investigators have already secured treatment records from the hospital through a search and seizure.
Hospital and Agency Responses
The university hospital doctor allegedly involved, identified only as “Professor A,” has reportedly denied wrongdoing, claiming that consultations with Psy took place “via remote methods.”
Meanwhile, Psy’s agency P Nation issued a statement acknowledging that there were procedural lapses:
> “It is true that there were cases where professional prescriptions for sleep medication were collected by a third party. We recognize this as an oversight and sincerely apologize.”
The agency further clarified:
> “Psy has been diagnosed with chronic insomnia and has been taking sleep medication strictly under medical supervision. The prescribed amounts were provided under a doctor’s guidance, and there was no proxy prescribing.”
They also expressed regret that during the process, there were instances where medication may have been picked up by others, and investigations are currently ongoing.
Next Steps in the Case
Police are reviewing the collected hospital records and may summon Psy for questioning after further analysis. If proven, proxy prescription violations could result in legal penalties for both the patient and medical personnel involved.
This case has sparked significant attention in South Korea, not only because of Psy’s global fame but also because it highlights the sensitive issue of celebrity access to controlled substances.
