South Korean actor
South Korean actor Lee Sang-Bo found dead at home at 44
South Korean actor Lee Sang-Bo has been found dead at his home in Pyeongtaek. He was 44.
According to local police, a family member discovered his body around 12:40 pm local time on Thursday. Officers said there were no signs of foul play, but an investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of death.
His funeral is scheduled to be held at 10:30 am on March 29 at Jungang Funeral Home in Pyeongtaek.
Following the incident, his agency, Korea Management Group, confirmed the news in a statement, saying the cause of death will not be disclosed at the request of his family. The agency also urged the media and public to respect the family’s privacy and avoid visits or unnecessary coverage.
Lee’s death has also drawn attention to a 2022 incident that briefly affected his career. At the time, he was investigated over suspected drug use after being seen acting unsteadily in public and was briefly detained.
However, later tests by authorities confirmed that no illegal substances were found in his system. Officials said his condition was linked to prescribed medications, including antidepressants and tranquillisers, taken after a personal loss. The case was later closed, clearing him of all allegations.
Born in 1981, Lee began his acting career with the 2006 drama ‘Invisible Man Choi Jang Soo’. He went on to appear in several TV series, including ‘Private Lives’, ‘Miss Monte-Cristo’ and ‘The Elegant Empire’. His lead role in ‘Miss Monte-Cristo’ in 2021 brought him wider recognition, while his 2023 project ‘The Elegant Empire’ marked his return to the screen.
In 2025, he signed an exclusive contract with Korea Management Group.
5 hours ago