K-POP superstar PSY is under police investigation in Korea over claims he illegally picked up powerful prescription pills by proxy.
Cops in Seoul booked the 47-year-old singer, real name Park Jae-sang, and a university hospital doctor on suspicion of violating South Korea’s Medical Service Act.
PSY is under police investigation for illegally obtaining prescription drugs by proxy[/caption]
PSY’s agency admitted fault for third-party collection, citing a chronic sleep disorder[/caption]
Investigators allege the Gangnam Style star obtained prescriptions for psychotropic drugs, including Xanax and Stilnox, without the required face-to-face consultations.
He also had his manager and others collect them on his behalf from 2022 until recently, it’s been claimed.
Police reportedly uncovered the arrangement after a tip-off and even raided the university hospital to seize medical records.
Under South Korean law, such proxy pickups are outlawed, except in rare circumstances involving family members or legal caregivers.
The drugs at the centre of the storm are no lightweights.
Xanax is prescribed for anxiety while Stilnox – a brand name for zolpidem – is used to treat severe sleep disorders.
Both carry a high risk of dependency and addiction, which is why patients are normally required to appear in person to secure prescriptions.
The doctor implicated in the case has reportedly denied any wrongdoing, insisting PSY was treated remotely, according to Yonhap News Agency.
But the controversy has already forced the star into damage control.
PSY’s agency P Nation admitted fault, saying it was “clearly a mistake and an oversight” to have a third party collect the medication, Gulf News reports.
The statement added the singer has long struggled with a chronic sleep disorder and has only ever taken pills in line with his doctor’s prescription.
While stressing there was “no proxy prescribing,” the agency acknowledged that in some cases third parties had picked up the drugs – and apologised for the lapse.
“We once again apologise for causing concern,” the company said.
According to Korea Biomedical Review, PSY himself has directly addressed the scandal, describing the incident as “a clear mistake and negligence.”
He expressed regret for troubling fans and the public, adding that he would fully cooperate with investigators.
The police probe remains ongoing and could widen further, depending on what officers uncover from the hospital’s seized records.
In an apology, PSY expressed regret for troubling fans and the public[/caption]
Full statement from PSY’s agency
PSY’s agency P NATION issued a public statement on Thursday, August 28.
It reads: “Hello, this is P NATION. This is our position regarding the issue of singer PSY’s proxy pickup of sleeping medication.
“Having had a third party collect a prescription-only sleeping medication on his behalf was clearly a mistake and an oversight. We apologise.
“PSY has been diagnosed with a chronic sleep disorder and has been taking sleeping medication in accordance with his medical team’s prescription.
“His use of sleeping medication has been under medical supervision and within the prescribed dosage, and there was no proxy prescribing.
“In the process, there were instances in which a third party picked up the sleeping medication on his behalf, and the police are currently conducting an investigation.
“We once again apologise for causing concern.”
