Redacción PSY, the creator of 'Gangnam Style,' arrested for illegal medication
The South Korean artist faced an investigation regarding prescribed medications and clarified his health status
South Korean singer PSY, famous for his global hit "Gangnam Style," was arrested while authorities investigated his alleged illegal acquisition of prescription drugs.
According to Yonhap agency, Park Jae-sang, the artist's real name, remained in custody at the Seodaemun police station in Seoul. Alongside him, the doctor accused of supplying him with the drugs without the proper prescription was also arrested, who denied the charges, claiming that his treatment was administered "remotely."
Since 2022, PSY hasn't personally visited the hospital and has sent third parties to collect medications such as Xanax, used for anxiety and panic attacks, and Stilnox, a sedative to induce sleep. In response to this situation, police raided the implicated University Hospital and confiscated the artist's medical records.
P Nation's version and the artist's health status
After the arrest, P Nation, the agency representing the performer, acknowledged the facts and provided details about his health.
"Allowing a third party to collect a sleeping medication was a mistake and an omission. We apologize. PSY has been diagnosed with a chronic sleep disorder and is taking pills as prescribed by his doctor. There was no prescription from a representative, although in some cases third parties received the medications on his behalf," the statement said.
The impact of "Gangnam Style" and PSY's personal challenges
On July 15, 2012, PSY released "Gangnam Style," a global phenomenon that revolutionized YouTube. The song not only captivated audiences with its choreography and extravagant video, but also contained an incisive social critique.
The song satirized the obsession with luxury and status in the Gangnam district,Seoul, humorously exposing the superficialities of materialistic culture. Despite his success, the singer faced personal problems, including episodes of alcoholism that began in college and intensified with the pressure of his music career.
PSY managed to overcome these challenges and maintained his presence in the music scene. In 2024, he scheduled the "Summer Swag 2024" tour in South Korea and performed at the UNTOLD festival in Dubai. In addition, he remains a K-pop icon, supporting emerging talents and participating in various international performances.
The success of "Gangnam Style" earned him the "Best Video" award at the 2012 MTV Europe Music Awards and a Guinness World Record for the most "liked" video on YouTube, surpassing Justin Bieber and Ludacris 132 days after its release.
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