SEOUL • K-pop star Psy has reportedly postponed a planned appearance on a popular Korean talk show, over allegations that he is linked to an influence-peddling scandal involving a confidante of South Korean President Park Geun Hye.

Psy, whose 2012 pop single Gangnam Style was a smash hit globally, is not directly connected to Ms Choi Soon Sil, the confidante.

However, he has worked with artistic director Cha Eun Taek, an associate of Ms Choi's who was arrested at the airport on Tuesday, the Korea Times reported yesterday.

Mr Cha directed music videos for Psy's digital single Hangover in 2014. While Psy's agency YG Entertainment said he had delayed his TV appearance on talk show Radio Star as he was busy preparing for a new album, many believe he wanted to avoid possible questions about his relationship with Mr Cha and Ms Choi.

Mr Cha is also linked to YG Entertainment chief executive Yang Min Suk, who is said to have done several business deals with Mr Cha.

On Mr Cha's recommendations, Mr Yang became the first entertainment CEO to join the Presidential Committee for Cultural Enrichment in 2013.

Mr Yang had accompanied President Park on her trip to China as part of an economic mission, reported the Korea Times.

There are rumours that Mr Cha had helped Ms Choi's niece, Ms Jang Si Ho, to find a job in the talent agency, but the agency has denied this.

Ms Choi's older sister, Ms Choi Soon Deuk, is said to have built ties with celebrities through a football team FC Hoeori.

Psy was reportedly a member of the team, but the agency said this was untrue.