PSY fined 5 million won for illegal prescription medication pickup

South Korean singer PSY has been fined 5 million won (approximately $3,600 USD) for violating the Medical Service Act. The Seoul Western District Court issued a summary order on September 15 following allegations that the artist obtained prescriptions for psychotropic medications without in-person consultations.

Between 2022 and 2025, PSY allegedly obtained prescriptions for Xanax and Stilnox—medications used for sleep, anxiety, and depression—from a university hospital in Seoul. These prescriptions were reportedly collected by his manager rather than the artist himself. Under South Korean medical regulations, psychotropic drugs require a physician's physical examination, and strict restrictions apply to third-party collection of such medications.

The legal proceedings involved six individuals. In May, police referred PSY, his manager, a university hospital doctor, and three others to prosecutors. In July, prosecutors sought summary indictments for PSY and the doctor, while the remaining four individuals, including the manager and medical staff, received suspended indictments.