South Korean rapper PSY, the global music sensation best known for his 2012 megahit “Gangnam Style,” is reportedly under police investigation over allegations that he may have improperly obtained prescription medications. The case has drawn significant attention in South Korea, especially given PSY’s high-profile status and the country’s strict regulations surrounding controlled substances such as Xanax and Stilnox.
According to Yonhap News, the investigation began following a search and seizure operation conducted on December 4 at the Seoul headquarters of PSY’s entertainment label, P Nation. The raid was carried out by the Seodaemun Police Station, which has been looking into possible procedural violations involving how PSY received certain prescription drugs. Alongside PSY, a university hospital professor is also reportedly under scrutiny for allegedly prescribing medication without following the required medical procedures mandated by South Korean law.
The medications at the center of the investigation Xanax, commonly prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders, and Stilnox (also known as zolpidem), a sleep-inducing drug are classified as substances with a high potential for dependency. Because of these risks, South Korea requires strict face to face medical consultations before such drugs can be prescribed or dispensed. Authorities suspect that PSY may have obtained the medications without the necessary in-person evaluations. There are also allegations that his manager or other intermediaries may have picked up the drugs on his behalf, which could constitute a violation of medical and pharmaceutical regulations.
Despite the seriousness of the claims, P Nation has asserted that it has been completely transparent and cooperative with the police investigation. In an official statement, the agency said, “We fully cooperated with the authorities’ request and will take all necessary steps in accordance with legal procedures moving forward.” The company has firmly denied any illegal activity or deliberate wrongdoing on PSY’s part.
A representative from the agency further clarified that PSY has been dealing with a long standing sleep disorder, for which he has been undergoing continuous treatment under medical supervision. The spokesperson emphasized that the artist’s use of medications was based on legitimate medical need and not recreational or illicit purposes. They also rejected the notion of “proxy prescriptions,” stating, “There was no instance of obtaining medication under someone else’s name. The treatment was provided for an ongoing condition and was handled through appropriate channels.”
During the COVID 19 pandemic, remote consultations became a widespread and accepted practice in South Korea due to restrictions and public health concerns. PSY, like many others, reportedly began using telemedicine services during this period. The agency acknowledged that he continued using remote consultations even after pandemic-related restrictions were lifted, primarily because of his extremely demanding schedule. While this may have contributed to procedural lapses, P Nation expressed that any such oversight was unintentional and not an attempt to circumvent the law.
The attending physician involved in PSY’s treatment also commented anonymously, stating that all consultations had been conducted “in accordance with medical standards.” Meanwhile, the hospital implicated in the investigation declined to provide details, citing the ongoing nature of the probe.
PSY’s situation has generated significant public and media interest, partly due to his iconic status in global pop culture. After achieving unprecedented international success with “Gangnam Style,” which became the first YouTube video to surpass one billion views, PSY transitioned into a leadership role in the Korean music industry. With the launch of P Nation, he has been mentoring and managing several prominent artists, further cementing his influence in the entertainment world.
However, with the investigation underway, the rapper now faces heightened scrutiny. Questions have emerged regarding the broader implications of telemedicine practices, post pandemic medical protocols, and the responsibilities of high profile public figures in adhering to strict drug prescription rules. As authorities continue examining the evidence gathered from the recent raid, both PSY’s agency and fans await clarity on whether the case involves genuine misconduct or merely administrative oversight.
For now, PSY remains under investigation, but no formal charges have been filed. The final outcome will likely hinge on whether authorities determine that any prescriptions were issued or collected in violation of established medical regulations. Until then, the global star’s once unblemished public image faces a challenging moment as the legal process moves forward.