Zing Muse – Global K-pop icon PSY, famed for Gangnam Style, has been arrested in Seoul for alleged illegal use of psychoactive drugs. The shocking scandal leaves international fans in disbelief.

Global icon PSY faces arrest in Seoul

On August 28, 2025, South Korean media outlet DongA Ilbo reported that police in Seodaemun District, Seoul had arrested and launched an investigation into world-renowned K-pop star PSY, the man behind the viral phenomenon Gangnam Style.

Authorities suspect that PSY illegally obtained and used psychoactive prescription drugs, including Xanax (anxiety treatment) and Stilnox (a sleep aid), without following proper medical procedures.

Allegations: Prescriptions collected by his manager

According to investigators, PSY allegedly did not personally visit the hospital to receive his prescriptions. Instead, his manager collected the medication on his behalf from a general hospital in Seoul between 2022 and 2025. This practice is considered a violation under South Korea’s Medical Service Act.

Doctor under investigation – denies wrongdoing

The doctor who prescribed the drugs is also under investigation. However, he denied accusations, claiming that PSY was officially diagnosed with chronic insomnia and that all prescriptions were issued under proper medical evaluation, including remote consultations.

P NATION issues apology and clarification

PSY’s label, P NATION, released an official statement acknowledging that:

• PSY has long struggled with severe insomnia, requiring medical treatment.

• All prescriptions were legally issued by a licensed doctor.

• The company denied allegations that the prescriptions were written under another person’s name.

• They admitted the mistake of having a manager pick up the medication and issued a public apology for the controversy.

Fan reaction – shockwaves across the globe

PSY, who made history in 2012 with Gangnam Style, the first video to reach billions of views on YouTube, has long been seen as a pioneer of K-pop’s global expansion.

The news of his arrest has sent shockwaves through his international fanbase, with many expressing disappointment and disbelief. While some criticized the star for his actions, others defended him, arguing that the case highlights the struggles of mental health and insomnia faced by celebrities.

From global fame to legal storm

The arrest of PSY marks a dramatic turning point in the career of a man once hailed as the “King of Viral Music”. The case not only raises questions about celebrity responsibility but also shines a light on the strict regulation of psychoactive drugs in South Korea.

As investigations continue, the world watches closely to see if this scandal will permanently damage PSY’s legacy or simply be remembered as a painful chapter in his extraordinary career.

Linda (DongA Ilbo)