PSY Faces Investigation for Allegedly Illegally Obtaining Prescription Drugs
K-pop star PSY, whose real name is Park Jae-sang, is currently under investigation for allegedly using proxies to illegally obtain prescription medications in South Korea. Authorities claim that for the past three years, PSY had individuals, including his manager, collect prescriptions for drugs such as Xanax and Stilnox from a university hospital on his behalf.
Both medications are frequently prescribed for anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders, particularly insomnia. Due to their potential for addiction, regulations typically require in-person oversight and consultations with healthcare providers. In South Korea, the Medical Services Act restricts the collection of prescriptions to immediate family members or caregivers of patients, complicating what would be a straightforward task in many other countries.
This investigation began after a tip-off led South Korean police to the alleged violations. In response, the medical facility involved had its records seized as part of the inquiry, and a physician was questioned regarding the transactions. The doctor has denied any misconduct, asserting that he continued to conduct remote check-ins with PSY.
In a statement, PSY acknowledged the situation, describing it as an “oversight” on his part for allowing a third party to collect his medication. His agency, P Nation, emphasized that the artist had been “diagnosed with a chronic sleeping disorder” and that his use of the medications was strictly in accordance with medical advice. According to a statement obtained by Gulf News, “His use of sleeping medication has been under medical supervision and within the prescribed dosage. There was no proxy prescribing, but there were instances in which a third party picked up the sleeping medication on his behalf.”
PSY gained international fame in 2012 with his viral hit “Gangnam Style,” which became the first video to achieve over 1 billion views on YouTube. By 2014, it reached 2 billion views, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon. The song not only ignited a global dance trend but also led to various public performances, some of which ended in unfortunate incidents; notably, a tragic event occurred at a wedding where a man dancing to the song accidentally discharged an AK-47, resulting in three fatalities.
As the investigation into PSY continues, the implications of his actions raise questions about the accessibility and regulation of prescription medications in South Korea, particularly in the entertainment industry, where pressures can lead to difficult choices regarding health and wellbeing. The outcome of this case may have broader repercussions for both the artist and the industry as a whole.
