Psy

Police referred Psy's case to prosecutors in June 2026 following an investigation into prescriptions for Xanax and Stilnox obtained between 2022 and 2025, amid suspicions of non-compliant medical consultations and collection of the medication by his manager or other third parties.

Attribution

Personally implicated

While South Korea was experiencing severe drought, Psy was criticised for his "Summer Swag" concerts, which he had said used approximately 300,000 litres, or 300 tonnes, of drinking water per performance to spray the audience.

State of the evidence

Documented

Legal status — source text

No legal proceedings

Attribution

Directly implicated

In July 2022, health authorities said they were receiving reports from people claiming to have contracted COVID-19 after concerts where water was sprayed. They began assessing the risk factors and asked organisers of concerts and festivals to avoid water spraying.

Attribution

Directly implicated

A Mongolian worker in his twenties, employed by a subcontractor, died after falling while dismantling installations for Psy's concert in Gangneung. The Labour Ministry subsequently searched P Nation's headquarters and subcontractors as part of an investigation into safety regulations.

State of the evidence

Documented

Psy, owner of a building in Hannam-dong, initiated proceedings to obtain the departure of Takeout Drawing café and arts space. Attempts at forced eviction prompted demonstrations and allegations of celebrity "abuse of power" against a cultural venue. In August 2015, a court nevertheless ruled in Psy's favour in proceedings for recovery of the premises and payment of compensation.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Before his worldwide fame, Psy participated in a demonstration in 2002 where he destroyed a model of a US military vehicle, then in 2004 performed extremely violent lyrics about American soldiers at a concert linked to the Iraq War. The rediscovery of these performances in 2012, when he was due to perform before President Barack Obama, triggered significant international controversy.

State of the evidence

Documented

Legal status — source text

No legal proceedings

Attribution

Directly implicated

In 2007, prosecutors concluded that Psy had neglected his alternative military service obligations at an IT company, notably by performing numerous concerts and failing to undertake technical work corresponding to the exemption scheme. The Military Manpower Administration annulled that period of service and ordered him to complete approximately twenty additional months, a decision subsequently upheld by an administrative court.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Psy, whose real name is Park Jae-sang, was arrested in November 2001 for marijuana use. Police stated that he had smoked cannabis repeatedly and brought some back from the United States. In January 2002, the court fined him five million won.

State of the evidence

Established by a court

Attribution

Personally implicated