Singer Psy referred to prosecutors over illegal drug prescription allegations
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Singer Psy has been referred to prosecutors on charges of illegally obtaining and having others receive psychotropic drugs.
- He allegedly received prescriptions for controlled substances without in-person consultations between February 2022 and July 2023, with his manager acting as an intermediary.
- Psy's agency previously admitted to the improper receipt of sleeping pills but denied allegations of proxy prescriptions.
Singer Psy has been referred to prosecutors on suspicion of illegally obtaining and having others receive psychotropic drugs. The Seoul Seobu Police Station announced on Tuesday that Psy, along with three doctors from a university hospital in Seoul and two agency staff members, were sent to the Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office on charges of violating the Medical Service Act.
According to the charges, Psy allegedly received prescriptions for psychotropic drugs from a Seoul university hospital without undergoing in-person medical examinations between February 10, 2022, and July 16, 2023. The drugs in question are reportedly used to treat conditions such as depression and insomnia, and are known for their high potential for dependence and addiction, necessitating in-person consultations and direct receipt by the patient.
The proxy receipt of prescription sleep medication is clearly a mistake and an oversight.
Psy's management agency, P NATION, had previously issued a statement in August of last year acknowledging that a manager had improperly received sleeping pills on Psy's behalf. However, the agency at the time asserted that there were no instances of proxy prescriptions being issued.
The investigation reportedly focused on the alleged proxy receipt of these controlled substances, which are typically prescribed for mental health conditions requiring careful medical supervision. The referral to prosecutors indicates that the police have gathered sufficient evidence to suggest a violation of medical laws related to the prescription and handling of such potent medications.
However, there were no proxy prescriptions.
Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.