Lee Ki-chan's agency, IPD Studio, responded on October 22 to concerns that his pharmacy performances might violate pharmacy law. The agency said a legal review found no improper solicitation, patient inducement or breach of pharmacy management duties. It said Lee had not urged audience members to buy or obtain medicine and had received no payment from pharmacies. The agency also said there were no discounts, giveaways or financial agreements covering the performances.

Singer Lee Ki-chan released 'Cold (2026),' a new version of his 2002 song 'Cold.' Lee performed at pharmacies in Seoul, Chuncheon, Daejeon, Chungju and Incheon. Lee busked at Jeongdaun Pharmacy in Chungju on October 11. The pairing of the song with pharmacy venues spread online, and fans gave him the nickname 'Gamgichan.' His agency described the shows as free cultural events, rather than promotions for particular pharmacies.

Lee explained why he began pharmacy busking on the October 14 broadcast of tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block.' He said he planned the performances because opportunities to sing onstage had declined. He recalled feeling discouraged when the initial response fell short of his expectations, before videos of the shows circulated more widely. Lee said pharmacies around the country sought to book him after videos of his performances circulated. He also said he had been appointed an ambassador for a flu prevention campaign and had received a pharmaceutical advertising offer.

Some in the pharmacy profession raised concerns that appearances by a well-known singer could be used to attract customers to a particular pharmacy or promote medicine sales. Pharmacy rules prohibit operators from drawing in patients or consumers through improper means. Citing Article 44, Paragraph 1, Item 2 of the enforcement rules, the agency argued that no legal provision prohibits singing in a pharmacy. It also said neither Lee nor audience members entered dispensing or medicine storage areas, and that the shows did not interrupt or delay dispensing or medication guidance.

The agency said it asked the Chungju health center whether the October 11 show violated pharmacy law and was told there was no suspected violation. Local health centers were also said to have given administrative guidance to some venues. The agency said allegations raised without checking the legal requirements and circumstances at the venues could harm Lee and the participating pharmacies.