Remember ‘Gangnam Style’? Its iconic star, Psy, is making headlines again, but for a different reason. The K-pop sensation has issued a public apology after a police investigation concerning prescription pills in South Korea. What’s behind this surprising turn of events for the global music icon?

Global music phenomenon Psy, widely recognized for his viral hit “Gangnam Style,” has recently issued a profound apology following a police investigation in South Korea concerning his acquisition of prescription medication. This development has brought renewed attention to the star, prompting public discourse on celebrity conduct and medical regulations.

Reports indicate that the Seoul Seodaemun Police Station initiated an investigation, which culminated in the arrest of Psy and a university hospital doctor. Both individuals were suspected of infringing upon South Korea’s stringent Medical Service Act, a legal framework designed to ensure proper medical practices and patient safety.

Investigators detailed allegations that the acclaimed singer obtained prescriptions for psychotropic medications, specifically Xanax and Stilnox, without undergoing the mandatory face-to-face consultations with a medical professional. This requirement is a cornerstone of South Korean medical law, intended to prevent misuse and ensure appropriate patient assessment.

Further claims surfaced, suggesting a pattern from 2022 until very recently, where Psy allegedly had his managers and other associates collect his prescribed pills on his behalf. This practice, known as proxy pickup, is under scrutiny as it typically contravenes legal provisions.

In his public statement, Psy expressed deep regret, explaining that he has been diagnosed with a chronic sleep disorder. He asserted that his medication intake was strictly in accordance with his medical team’s prescription, implying a therapeutic rather than recreational context for the drugs.

Complementing his public apology, the artist also released a separate statement through his agency. In this address, he candidly labeled the incident as a “clear mistake and negligence,” conveying his sincere regret for the concern and trouble he had caused his devoted fans and the broader public.

South Korean legal statutes are explicit regarding proxy pickups; such actions are generally prohibited and only permissible under very rare and specific circumstances, primarily involving immediate family members or legal caregivers. This legal clarity underscores the seriousness of the alleged violations.

Psy rose to international prominence in 2012 with his infectious track “Gangnam Style,” whose accompanying music video ignited a global dance phenomenon. While his subsequent releases have not achieved the same monumental worldwide acclaim, he has consistently maintained a robust and successful career within South Korea, securing his status as a prominent figure in the K-pop landscape.