A promotional image of PSY emphasizing his bold artistic persona amid ongoing investigation news. (Photo / P Nation)
On June 2, Seoul’s Seodaemun Police Station announced that prosecutors received PSY—whose real name is Park Jae-sang—along with a university hospital professor, a junior physician, and several associates, without detention, on charges of violating South Korea’s Medical Service Act.
Authorities allege that between 2022 and 2025, PSY received non-face-to-face prescriptions for psychotropic medications, including Xanax and Stilnox, from a Seoul-based university hospital. The prescriptions were reportedly collected by third parties, including his manager.
The investigation began after a tip-off received during the summer of last year. Police subsequently searched the hospital in August to secure medical records and later conducted searches of P Nation’s offices and vehicles in December as part of the probe.
The professor involved initially denied wrongdoing, reportedly claiming that consultations had been conducted remotely. However, according to reports, the professor later acknowledged aspects of the allegations during the investigation.
Speculation suggested that doctors may have issued prescriptions under another individual’s name, but police concluded that the evidence showed only proxy collection of medication, not proxy prescriptions.
When the allegations first emerged in August last year, PSY’s agency stated that the proxy pickup of prescription sleeping medication was “a clear mistake and lapse in judgment” but firmly denied any allegations of proxy prescriptions.
Agency to Cooperate With Prosecutors
Following news of the prosecution referral, P Nation released a brief statement saying that the police investigation into the alleged proxy pickup had concluded and that the company would fully cooperate with any further proceedings by prosecutors.
South Korea’s Medical Service Act requires doctors to issue prescriptions only after conducting a direct medical examination, and patients must generally receive the prescription documents themselves. Authorities impose penalties of up to one year in prison or fines of up to 10 million won on violators.
Doctors commonly prescribe Xanax and Stilnox to treat sleep disorders and anxiety-related symptoms. Because these medications carry risks of dependence and misuse, regulators enforce strict rules on their prescription and dispensing.
PSY ranks among South Korea’s most globally recognized artists, best known for the worldwide hit “Gangnam Style.” He leads entertainment company P Nation as its founder and head, managing several prominent K-pop artists.
David Kim is a senior author at Kpopbreaking.com, focusing on major K-pop events, industry trends, and global entertainment news.
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