South Korean superstar PSY — the global face of “Gangnam Style” — is under police investigation after authorities raided his agency, P Nation, in connection with allegations of improperly obtaining prescription medication. Yonhap News reported that officers from Seodaemun Police Station carried out a search and seizure on December 4, collecting documents linked to the case.
The inquiry also involves a university hospital professor suspected of prescribing controlled drugs, including Xanax and Stilnox, without following mandatory face-to-face consultations. These medications, commonly used for anxiety and sleep disorders, require strict supervision due to their potential for dependence.
Police allege PSY may have received the drugs without in-person appointments, and that a manager or intermediary may have collected them on his behalf.
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Agency says PSY acted under medical supervision
P Nation responded swiftly, confirming that it fully cooperated with authorities. The agency denied any illegal prescription activity, explaining that PSY has long been treated for a chronic sleep disorder and followed a legitimate medical plan.
According to the agency, PSY began using remote consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic — a practice widely adopted at the time — and continued them because of his demanding schedule. They acknowledged “a degree of negligence” in not returning to in-person visits after the pandemic but stressed that PSY did not misuse medication or obtain drugs under someone else’s name.
“The prescriptions were not issued through proxies,” the agency insisted.
Doctors defend remote consultations
The hospital linked to the case declined to comment, citing the active investigation. However, the doctor involved told Korean media that the remote consultations were conducted “according to medical standards,” reinforcing that telemedicine was approved during pandemic conditions..
Pop icon under spotlight as case unfolds
PSY rose to global fame in 2012 when “Gangnam Style” became the first video to surpass 1 billion views on YouTube. Now, the singer faces renewed scrutiny as investigators examine whether prescription laws were violated. No charges have been filed yet, and the probe remains ongoing.