▲ This Yonhap photo shows K-pop singer Psy. (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Aug. 28 (Yonhap) -- Police have launched an investigation into K-pop singer Psy, 48, on suspicion of violating the Medical Service Act by having prescription sleeping pills collected on his behalf by managers and other staff, officials said Thursday.

 

According to the Seodaemun Police Station, Psy and a university hospital professor, identified only by the surname A, have been booked as suspects.

 

Police suspect that since 2022, Psy received prescriptions for the psychotropic drugs Xanax and Stilnox without in-person consultations, and had his managers or other third parties pick them up from a university hospital in Seoul. The allegations surfaced through a tip-off, leading police to recently raid the hospital and secure medical records, sources said.

 

Under South Korea’s medical law, only doctors who have directly examined a patient can issue prescriptions, and prescriptions may only be collected by the patient themselves. Both Xanax and Stilnox are classified as psychotropic medications used to treat sleep disorders, anxiety and depression. Due to their potential for dependency and abuse, they generally require face-to-face diagnosis and prescription.

 

Professor A has reportedly denied the allegations, claiming the prescriptions were issued following non-face-to-face consultations.

 

 

▲ This image of K-pop star Psy is provided by TV broadcaster KBS. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

Psy’s agency P Nation issued a statement acknowledging fault, saying, “It was clearly a mistake and negligence to have prescription sleeping pills collected by a third party. We apologize.”

 

The agency added that Psy has been diagnosed with chronic sleep disorders and has taken sleeping medication strictly under medical guidance. “There was no proxy prescription,” it said. “However, there were instances in which the medicine was collected by a third party, and police are currently investigating. We again apologize for causing concern.”

 

Police said they are reviewing the seized medical records and are considering summoning Psy for questioning.

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