Actor Lee Sang-bo has died. He was 45.
On March 28, industry sources reported that Lee was found dead on March 27. Police who responded after a family member alerted authorities are investigating the circumstances of his death. Lee’s representatives said they are withholding the cause of death at the family’s request.
Born in 1981, Lee made his acting debut in 2006 on the KBS2 drama 'The Invisible Man, Choi Jang-su.' He later appeared in 'The Daughter-in-Law's Heyday,' 'Bad Love,' 'Rugal,' 'Private Life,' 'Miss Monte Cristo,' 'Graceful Empire,' and the film 'Mephisto.'
In 2022, Lee faced allegations of drug use, but authorities cleared him after determining trace amounts came from prescribed antidepressants and sedatives. Branded unfairly as a "drug-using actor," he spoke publicly about his battle with depression and returned to the KBS drama 'Graceful Empire' as he worked to rebuild his career.
Last year he signed an exclusive contract with new agency KMG (Korea Management Group) and showed renewed determination. The agency pledged full support and asked fans to look forward to his next project.
Currently, Lee’s social media accounts show all posts deleted; the once-active profiles now sit empty, leaving many fans saddened.
A wake has been set up in Room 3 at the Pyeongtaek Central Funeral Hall in Gyeonggi Province.
Reporting by Lee Su-min, TenAsia (danbilee19@tenasia.co.kr)
