‘Gangnam Style’ singer Psy summoned as witness in K-pop sex scandal

The 'Gangnam Style' singer has become the latest star embroiled in an investigation into illegal activity in the K-pop industry

(AFP/Getty Images)

The “Gangnam Style” singer Psy has been interrogated by South Korean police in connection with an ongoing sex scandal that has engulfed the K-pop industry.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Psy was summoned as a reference witness in an ongoing investigation into K-pop mogul Yang Hyun-suk, who has been accused of procuring sex workers for foreign business investors in 2014.

Yang, the founder of K-pop label YG Entertainment, this week quit his roles within the company (whose clients include Psy, Blackpink and 2NE1) amid an investigation into the label and some of its associated acts.

The scandal began when police charged the musician Seungri, a singer in the YG boyband BIGBANG, with operating a prostitution ring within a popular South Korean nightclub.

The investigation widened from there, with Yang accused of tax evasion, the fostering of a corrupt relationship with South Korean police and the covering up of illegal drug use in the boyband iKON. He is also accused of procuring sex workers for an event set up to woo potential Southeast Asian investors.

Psy, who was also in attendance, has reportedly told police that he was unaware of any illegal activity at the event. The singer and rapper had previously boasted of a friendship with the Malaysian businessman Jho Low, who is currently a fugitive from the law amid the 1MDB money laundering scandal and who was also a guest at the event.

Psy informed the police that he and Yang both left the event early. Yang has denied all allegations against him.

The South Korean police are continuing their investigation but have, according to the Hollywood Reporter, “yet to find any substantial evidence”.