Gangnam Style singer PSY booked for taking drugs with proxy prescription

Archive photo of Gangnam Style singer PSY

Noted singer PSY, who became famous for his hit song Gangnam Style, has been booked by Seodaemun Police in northwestern Seoul for allegedly obtaining Xanax and Stilnox prescriptions without going for examinations in person.

PSY became a global sensation in 2012 after his song Gangnam Style became a rage.

The South Korean singer has been booked for allegedly breaching the country’s Medical Service Act.

According to the Seodaemun Police Station, the famous singer is being investigated for getting prescriptions for psychiatric drugs without going for an in-person medical examination.

PSY's song was famous for its catchy rhythm and iconic horse-riding dance.

According to sources, PSY began receiving prescriptions for Xanax, a common anxiety disorder treatment, and Stilnox, a short-term sleeplessness treatment, from a general hospital in Seoul in 2022.

The reports further suggest that the consumption of both the drugs is strictly regulated in South Korea and it requires supervision by licensed doctors.

The source further said that PSY’s manager would collect the drugs on his behalf.

PSY’s agency, P NATION, has now issued an apology statement on behalf of the singer and agreed that it was a mistake on the singer's side.

"It was clearly a mistake and lapse in judgment to have a prescription sleeping pill collected on his behalf. We sincerely apologise. PSY has been diagnosed with chronic sleep disorder and has been taking sleeping medication in accordance with his doctor’s prescription. His use of sleeping pills has always been under medical supervision, with prescriptions given for the appropriate dosage," the agency said in the statement.

“However, in the process, there were cases where a third party collected the sleeping pills on his behalf, and police are currently conducting an investigation. Once again, we apologise for causing concern."

Authorities are examining both PSY and the doctor who prescribed the drugs.

The doctor has denied all charges and said that he had conducted a check up remotely.