PSY's Prescription Scandal: Singer to be questioned over alleged medical service act violations

South Korean singer Psy is facing a police probe into suspected violations of the Medical Service Act involving psychotropic medications reportedly prescribed since 2022, multiple outlets and police briefings cited in reports.

Authorities at Seoul Seodaemun Police Station are examining records seized from a university hospital and are weighing a summons for questioning in the near term, following a tip-off-driven raid and booking of both Psy and a prescribing physician. MK Sports reported his apology for the controversy as a "clear mistake and negligence," while maintaining there was no proxy prescription.

What's admitted and disputed

Psy's agency P Nation publicly acknowledged that third-party pickup of prescription sleeping pills was true and apologised, calling it an undeniable error, but denied any proxy prescription; it emphasised he was treated for chronic sleep issues under medical guidance and within prescribed dosages. Investigators are probing whether prescriptions for Xanax and Stilnox were issued without in‑person consultations and whether collection by non-patients breached statutory prohibitions, regardless of telemedicine claims by the doctor. Outlets add that telemedicine does not permit prescribing or third‑party collection of these psychotropic drugs due to dependence risks under Korean regulations.

Where the investigation stands

Police booked Psy and the doctor on suspected medical law violations and secured hospital records to verify prescription issuance, delivery method, and collection trail since 2022; authorities indicated a summons of the singer is under consideration after analysis. Broadcast and wire reports state that the hospital was raided and that even with remote consultation claims, mailing or courier methods-not manager pickup-would be the compliant path for eligible cases. The inquiry remains active, with focus on intent, compliance history, and procedural irregularities linked to psychotropic controls.

Industry and public response

Coverage from domestic and international media has amplified scrutiny given Psy's profile, spotlighting legal boundaries around controlled sleep medications and prior enforcement precedents in South Korea. Statements from P Nation stress there was no proxy prescribing while reiterating regret over the proxy pickup, as legal experts and reports underline strict compliance requirements for psychotropic substances. Public interest remains high as police progress toward a potential summons and formal questioning.