PSY under investigation over alleged violation of medical service act

Korean rapper-singer PSY is under investigation for allegedly receiving prescriptions for psychotropic medication without an in-person consultation, which is a violation of the Medical Services Act.

K-media outlet Soompi reported that the Gangnam Style hitmaker and a university hospital physician who prescribed him sleeping medication were booked by Seodaemun Police Station in Seoul over suspicion of violating the Medical Service Act.

The authorities conducted a search and seizure at the hospital after finding evidence suggesting that PSY was prescribed Xanax and Stilnox without direct consultation, and that his manager collected the medications on his behalf from 2022 up to recently.

Under the Korean law, psychotropic medications—used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders—are at high risk of dependence and addiction, so remote prescribing has been completely banned since 2021. Proxy pickup is only allowed in special cases, like for family members or caregivers, per the report.

PSY's manager reportedly did not get a proxy prescription, but continued to pick up the medication on the Gangnam Style singer's behalf.

His agency, P Nation, released a statement on Aug. 28, saying that having a third party collect the sleeping medication for PSY was "clearly a mistake and oversight."

They noted that the singer has been diagnosed with chronic sleep disorder, and assured that his use of sleeping medication has been under medical supervision and within the prescribed dosage. 

"There was no proxy prescribing," it said, adding that there were instances when a third party picked up the sleeping medication for PSY.

"We once again apologize for causing concern," they added.