Singer and producer PSY (real name Park Jae-sang) has reportedly been referred to prosecutors in connection with allegations involving the proxy withdrawal of psychotropic drugs, reigniting a controversy that first made headlines last year.
According to legal sources and local media reports on June 2, the case was transferred from the police to prosecutors on June 1. The Seoul Western District Prosecutor’s Office has reportedly launched a formal investigation into four people, including PSY, a university hospital professor and a manager, for allegedly violating South Korea’s Medical Service Law.
Authorities allege that between 2022 and 2025, PSY received prescriptions for psychotropic drugs commonly used to treat insomnia and depression at a teaching hospital in Seoul.
Investigators say the drugs were collected by a third party, including a manager, without PSY personally participating in face-to-face consultations with the prescribing doctor.
Under South Korean law, psychiatric drugs are subject to strict regulations due to their potential for addiction and abuse. Patients are generally required to undergo direct medical consultations and prescribed medications must be collected by the patient receiving the consultation.
The allegations first became public in August 2025 during the police investigation, quickly becoming one of the entertainment industry’s most talked about legal disputes.
At the time, PSY’s agency, P NATION, acknowledged that the sleep drugs had been recalled by proxy and described the situation as a mistake.
The company said: “The fact that prescription sleep medications were withdrawn from another person was clearly an error and oversight.”
However, the agency argued that PSY had been diagnosed with chronic sleep disorders and had been taking medications prescribed by medical professionals. He also denied allegations of proxy prescribing, stressing that the issue involved drug collection rather than fraudulent prescribing.
Despite the agency’s explanations, the police would continue the investigation for months.
Authorities carried out searches of the company’s offices and vehicles and conducted digital forensic examinations of mobile devices before ultimately concluding that there were sufficient grounds to refer the case to prosecutors.
The Prosecutor’s Office will now evaluate whether charges should be formally filed against those involved.
The case comes amid growing scrutiny over alleged violations of the Medical Service Act within South Korea’s entertainment industry.
Recent controversies involving celebrities and healthcare-related allegations have fueled public debate over whether high-profile figures receive preferential treatment when obtaining prescription drugs or medical services.
As one of K-pop’s most recognizable stars, PSY’s referral to prosecutors has attracted considerable public attention, with many closely watching the investigation unfold.
Sources: Daum | MBC Entertainment
