[OSENWORLD] Apple TV+’s new music competition series KPOPPED premiered August 29 — but its press conference was overshadowed by questions about featured star Psy.
During an online media session, executive producer Lee Yeon-kyu was asked about Psy’s ongoing investigation for allegedly obtaining prescription sleeping pills without in-person consultations. Lee avoided giving a direct response, saying: “We cannot answer questions about contestants’ personal matters. Thank you for your understanding.” When pressed further on whether Psy’s footage might be edited, Lee added only, “I have nothing to add.”
KPOPPED is an eight-part series that pairs K-pop acts with global pop stars to reinterpret each other’s hit songs. The show has attracted attention for its bold lineup, including Psy with Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion, ITZY with Spice Girls, ATEEZ with J Balvin, and KISS OF LIFE with Ava Max.
Psy, however, has faced headlines for different reasons. On August 27, Seoul police booked him and a university hospital professor on charges of violating medical law. Authorities allege that since 2022 Psy received prescriptions for sleeping pills such as Xanax and Stilnox without proper consultations, and that his manager collected the medications on his behalf.
Psy’s agency admitted partial fault, stating: “It is true that some of the medications were collected by a manager. This was a clear lapse in judgment. However, there was no proxy prescription, and Psy has been taking the prescribed amount under medical supervision for chronic sleep disorders.”
Despite the controversy, Apple TV+ proceeded with the launch as scheduled, banking on its high-profile pairings and cross-cultural collaborations to generate global buzz.
/k_inside@osen.co.kr
[Photo] Courtesy of OSEN, Apple TV+
