South Korean actor Lee Sang Bo, whose career spanned nearly two decades before being clouded by a high-profile legal misunderstanding, was found dead at his home on March 26. He was 45 years old. According to the Pyeongtaek Police Station, family members discovered the actor at his residence in Gyeonggi Province at approximately 12:40 pm. Malayalam Actor-Director EA Rajendran Passes Away After Prolonged Illness; Funeral in Thrissur Tomorrow.

Actor Lee Sang Bo No More

Authorities stated that no criminal suspects have been identified, and an investigation into the exact circumstances of his death is ongoing. His agency, Korea Management Group (KMG), confirmed they are currently coordinating with the family to manage the situation.

The news of Lee's passing has drawn widespread sympathy across South Korea, particularly as the actor had recently begun a new chapter in his life. Local reports from OSEN and The Korea Herald noted that Lee had recently opened a barbecue restaurant in Pyeongtaek, where he was known for his warm interactions with neighbours and fans.

In a detail that has moved many online, the actor appeared to have erased his digital footprint shortly before his death. His social media accounts and mobile messenger profiles were found to be cleared of all posts and photos, with his following lists set to zero.

Lee Sang Bo’s Drug Usage Accusations

Lee’s career faced a significant crisis in September 2022 when he was arrested on suspicion of drug use after being spotted walking unsteadily in Gangnam. Despite a "negative" initial test, he spent 48 hours in detention and was forced to pay for his own medical examinations while handcuffed—an experience he later described as deeply traumatic.

A subsequent detailed analysis by the National Forensic Service proved he had no illegal substances in his system. The "positive" result was attributed to therapeutic levels of prescribed antidepressants and tranquillisers. Lee had been open about his long-term struggle with depression and panic disorder, which intensified after he lost his father, mother, and sister in separate incidents. Nicholas Brendon, ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ Actor, Dies at 54.

Lee Sang Bo's Acting Career

Having debuted in 2006 in the drama The Invisible Man, Lee became a staple of South Korean television. He appeared in various hits, including Secretly, Greatly, Private Lives, and Rugal. Following his exoneration, he made a successful professional comeback in the 2023 KBS2 drama Elegant Empire. He had expressed a strong determination to "act more openly" and move past the stigma of the false accusations.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 27, 2026 08:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).