A person surnamed Lee Sang-bo, an actor who had emphatically denied wrongful drug charges and rekindled a strong determination to act, died in the meaningful year of his 20th debut anniversary. As the story of the deceased, who tried to get back up amid numerous trials, became known, the entertainment industry and the public's sorrow has grown.
On the 28th, his agency Korea Management Group (KMG) delivered the sad news, saying, "We inform you that our actor Lee Sang-bo has passed away." The cause of death was not disclosed at the family's request, and the wake was set up in Room 3 of Pyeongtaek Central Funeral Hall in Gyeonggi Province.
Lee Sang-bo's acting life was not smooth. He debuted in 2006 in the KBS2 drama 'Invisible Man Choi Jang-su' and showed stable acting while moving between the screen and the small screen, but he had to endure unbearable loss after losing his older sister in 1998 and his parents in 2010 and 2019, respectively.
In September 2022, while he was going through a difficult time with severe depression and panic disorder, he faced the greatest crisis of his life. After taking antidepressant medication, he was urgently arrested by police on suspicion of drug use and faced public condemnation. The National Forensic Service's detailed analysis found no drug components, so he was cleared with a disposition of non-prosecution due to lack of evidence, but the wound was deep.
But Lee Sang-bo did not give up, and afterward he resolved to stage a comeback, buoyed by public support and encouragement. In a past interview he confessed, "This is the time I received more attention and the biggest issue than my past work as an actor. I did not commit a crime, but because it became a topic, many people who did not know me came to know me."
He continued, "At that time a senior told me, 'That incident may become a turning point. Don't hide or feel uncomfortable; it could be good for you.' I am still cautious, but I thought I should not remain isolated and should act more proudly," and he added, "My goal is to prepare so thoroughly in acting that I can overturn that incident and show people," expressing a strong sense of responsibility and passion for acting.
On that determination, he successfully returned through the KBS2 daily drama 'Elegant Empire,' which ended in January 2024, and last year he signed an exclusive contract with KMG to announce a new start. In addition, OSEN reporting found that recently he opened a barbecue restaurant in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, personally managing and serving, showing a fierce effort to carve out his life.
Because he had promised active activity with his new agency, the sudden sad news came as an even greater shock. In particular, his social media accounts, which he actively used to communicate with fans while alive, are now empty with all posts and profile pictures deleted, adding to the sorrow.
A cousin who ran the barbecue restaurant with the deceased and stayed by his side told OSEN, "My heart is complicated," expressing a stunned state. Facing countless trials, the late Lee Sang-bo once prepared to rise again, saying, "I will repay with acting." His acting life, which marked its 20th anniversary, ultimately remained an unfinished regret.
[Photo] OSEN DB, KMG
[OSEN]