South Korean actor Lee Sang Bo passes away at 44
South Korean actor Lee Sang Bo has passed away. He was 44.
Korean media outlets, including Soompi, reported that Lee was found dead in his home on March 27 at around 12:40 p.m. (KST)
His agency, Korea Management Group, confirmed the reports but did not disclose the cause of his death per the request of the bereaved family.
The wake is being held in Room 3 of Pyeongtaek Central Funeral Home. However, the family emphasized that they “respectfully decline coverage and visits to protect their privacy” and asked for the public’s understanding and cooperation.
In 2022, he made headlines after he was arrested on suspicion of taking illegal drugs, but was immediately released.
“I’ve never ever used illegal drugs or even been near one. I’ve never been associated with anyone who does drugs. What I take are medical tranquilizers,” he said at the time, per Korea JoongAng Daily report.
Lee explained that he has been on doctor-prescribed tranquilizers to manage depression and anxiety after his father died in 2009, which had worsened when his sister and mother died in an accident in 2019.
He added that his positive drug test was caused by the trace amounts of narcotics present in his antidepressant.
Born in 1981, Lee made his acting debut in the 2006 drama Invisible Man Choi Jang Soo. He later went on to appear in several projects, including Miss Monte-Cristo, Secretly Greatly, Mephisto, and The Elegant Empire, among others.