Police Investigate PSY After Manager Got Prescription Drugs on His Behalf

PSY is being investigated for alleged proxy prescription of psychotropic drugs via his manager.
His agency states the drugs were prescribed under his own name for medical use, not illicitly.
The singer has not publicly commented on the allegations himself.

International K-pop sensation PSY, the artist behind the global phenomenon "Gangnam Style," finds himself at the center of a serious legal investigation. The Seodaemun Police Station in Seoul has officially launched a probe into the singer, whose real name is Park Jae-sang, on charges of violating South Korea's strict Medical Act.

The specific allegation is that PSY received prescriptions for powerful psychotropic drugs, namely the anti-anxiety medication Xanax and the sleep aid Stilnox, without undergoing mandatory in-person doctor's examinations. The investigation further claims that these medications were subsequently acquired on his behalf by his manager, a practice known as "proxy collection" which is largely prohibited for such controlled substances.

The scope of the investigation is widening, as police are also looking into the medical professional involved. A university hospital professor, identified only as Professor A or B in reports, is under scrutiny for allegedly writing these prescriptions, often through remote consultations. The professor, however, is denying any wrongdoing, asserting that the treatments were conducted legally via non-face-to-face methods.

In a significant move to gather evidence, police executed a search and seizure warrant on the hospital in question to secure PSY's medical records, indicating the seriousness with which they are pursuing the case. These medications are classified as psychotropic and are strictly regulated; they are intended only for treating conditions like anxiety disorders, insomnia, and depression following a direct diagnosis, and their proxy collection is forbidden except in extremely rare circumstances, such as if the patient is incapacitated.

Manager Involved, But Was PSY's Name Actually Used?

Delving deeper, the plot thickens around the singer's management. The core of the accusation suggests that the manager was the one physically picking up the prescriptions from the pharmacy. However, a crucial distinction is being made by PSY's camp. His agency, P Nation, addressed the swirling rumors with a statement to the press. They confirmed the investigation and offered an explanation.

"Since the COVID-19 pandemic, he has been receiving prescriptions remotely, and due to his busy schedule, he has continued to receive prescriptions remotely. There were aspects of complacency," confirmed P Nation.

They were quick to add a critical clarification, "(PSY) did not receive prescriptions under someone else's name, and he did not overdose or use the medication for any other purpose."

This statement directly counters the more severe allegation of obtaining drugs under a completely different person's identity. It suggests that while the method of acquisition (proxy collection by a staff member) may have breached regulations, the prescriptions themselves were always issued in PSY's own name for his personal medical use. This nuance is a key point in the ongoing investigation as police work to untangle the exact specifics and intent behind the actions.

Whispers of a high-profile celebrity, cryptically referred to as "Singer A," being involved in a drug-related scandal have been circulating in Korean media circles for a little while. The reports described a famous singer who had been receiving psychotropic drugs through a manager, matching the details that have now become public. For some time, only a description was available, and the full name was withheld, until now, with PSY's name being formally connected to the police probe.

Despite the looming investigation, PSY's professional life has appeared to continue at its renowned high-energy pace. Just prior to these reports surfacing, he was in the public eye for a major musical event. He recently hosted his annual 'Summer Swag' concert, a much-anticipated event known for its spectacular guest lineups.

This year was no exception, as PSY brought out none other than the iconic G-Dragon as a special guest, sending fans into a frenzy and dominating entertainment news. This performance, along with his free concert on August 14th for Liberation Day, underscores a busy schedule that his agency cited as a reason for continued remote prescriptions.

As the story broke and developed, PSY himself has apologized.

Source: news.nate, Yonhap news, news1