SEOUL – Global K-Pop icon PSY, known for his groundbreaking hit “Gangnam Style,” has been referred to prosecution over allegations concerning the proxy pickup of prescribed medications. The news has sent ripples through the international fandom, sparking a lively discussion about medical practices and legal interpretations.
Reports indicate that PSY received prescriptions for psychotropic medications, commonly used to treat conditions like insomnia and depression, from a university hospital in Seoul. Investigators claim the controversy stems from the medications being collected by third parties, including a manager, without PSY personally attending face-to-face consultations with the prescribing physician.
The situation has led to a mixed reaction among international fans, many of whom are expressing confusion and concern over the severity of the alleged offense. “So he got prescribed the medication but just wasn’t picking it up himself? I get countries have their laws but this is such a minor thing,” one fan commented, echoing a widespread sentiment. Others recalled previous articles suggesting the issue might have originated during the COVID-19 pandemic when telehealth was permitted, with the doctor allegedly continuing the practice even after regulations changed. “As I recall from a previous article it was an issue where telehealth was allowed to renew a prescription during Covid and then his doctor let him keep doing it after it wasn’t allowed (which imho isn’t his fault but the provider’s) and that a few times a manager picked up the medication because he was busy,” another fan pointed out.
Comparisons to medical laws in other countries have also surfaced. “I’m prescribed a controlled substance in the US and I’ve had my ex-girlfriend pick it up for me several times and it’s been allowed, so it doesn’t seem like a big deal to me tbh,” a fan shared, highlighting the difference in legal frameworks. Many are calling the specific law “strange” and “outdated.”
While acknowledging the importance of accountability, a significant portion of the fandom views this as a “non-issue” or a “nothing burger.” Concerns have been raised about how the strict perception of medication in South Korea could lead to exaggerated gossip and online negativity. “It’s always an opportunity for the trolls and toxic folk to have the perfect excuse to start tossing around gossip and exaggerating how bad it is due to the strict drug/medication perception in Korea. Just one of many outdated views Korea needs to catch up with the rest of the world on,” one post read.
Fans are collectively hoping that the beloved artist will not face significant punishment and can easily move past this situation, allowing him to continue his impactful career.
