"I Became 'Gam-gichan'": Singer Lee Ki-chan's Pharmacy Busking Draws Popularity Amid Concerns from Some Pharmacists

While singer Lee Ki-chan is drawing attention for his "pharmacy busking" tour across the country where he sings his signature song "Cold," criticism has emerged within the pharmaceutical community that it could amount to solicitation of patients.

According to the pharmaceutical industry on October 18, Lee started the pharmacy busking tour inspired by the title of his remake song "Cold (2026)," released last month, to promote the track, performing at pharmacies in Seoul, Chuncheon, Daejeon, Chungju, and other cities.

Appearing on the TV program "You Quiz on the Block" broadcast on October 14, he mentioned, "I thought it would be fun to connect pharmacy busking with 'Cold,' and the response has been great," adding, "Just sitting here seems to be causing a buzz on social media."

He also added that he has even earned the nickname "Gam-gichan" (a blend of his name and the Korean word for cold) and said, "I will continue pharmacy performances until the flu vaccination season ends," with plans to continue performances in Daegu and Busan through the end of this month.

However, some pharmacists point out that pharmacy busking could lead to the promotion of specific pharmacies.

In addition, the Enforcement Rule of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act prohibits pharmacy founders from engaging in solicitation practices to attract consumers, leading frontline public health centers to determine that performances inside pharmacies could constitute patient-attracting acts.

An official from the Korean Pharmaceutical Association stated, "We do not oppose a singer's performances or television appearances," but added, "We are concerned that even if the singer's intentions are pure, performances inside pharmacies could be distorted into a means of promoting pharmaceutical sales."

The official further pointed out, "Some of the pharmacies where the pharmacy busking took place are warehouse-style pharmacies with the potential for drug abuse or misuse, and it could be perceived as marketing activity."

Lee's agency announced while posting the pharmacy busking schedule that they are "conducting the tour in strict compliance with relevant laws, including the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act."

(Photo: YouTube capture, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.