The Korean entertainment industry is mourning the sudden passing of actor Lee Sang Bo, as new details about his past struggles resurface following his funeral.
On March 27, his agency confirmed the heartbreaking news of his death, stating that the cause would not be disclosed in accordance with the bereaved family’s wishes. As colleagues and fans continue to pay tribute, a previously recorded conversation has drawn renewed attention to the hardships he faced during his lifetime.
A recording from 2022, recently released by YouTuber Lee Jin Ho, captured Lee Sang Bo expressing frustration over a past investigation in which he was mistakenly suspected of drug use. At the time, he acknowledged that authorities had a duty to investigate serious allegations but admitted the experience left him feeling deeply wronged.
“I understand they had to investigate considering the seriousness of drug crimes, even though it made me angry,” he said. “But even now, it feels ironic and absurd.”
He went on to describe being suddenly arrested and taken to the hospital, where he underwent repeated tests for more than five to six hours. According to him, the situation became even more distressing when he was asked to pay for the examination costs himself.
“I thought the authorities or the institution would cover it first,” he explained. “But I had to sign something like a payment pledge, as if I had taken out a loan, just to leave.”
The actor also revealed that he had been undergoing treatment for depression after enduring a series of personal losses, including the deaths of close family members over a decade. He shared that he relied on prescribed medication to manage panic disorder, which was ultimately misunderstood during the incident.
Debuting in 2006 through the drama “The Invisible Man Choi Jang Soo,” Lee Sang Bo later faced public scrutiny in 2022 when he was urgently arrested on suspicion of drug use. However, the case concluded with a non-indictment decision after approximately three weeks, clearing him of all charges. He later clarified that the substances in question were prescribed antidepressants.
Despite the ordeal, he had shown determination to return to acting after signing with a new agency. His passing, four years after the incident, has left many reflecting on the emotional toll he endured.
In the final part of the recording, his voice carried a quiet hope: “If there are other treatment methods, I want to recover my health through them. I want to become healthy enough to live without medication and return in better condition.”
His funeral was held on March 29, with his final resting place at Pyeongtaek Municipal Memorial Park. As tributes continue to pour in, many remember him not only for his work but also for the resilience he showed through difficult times.
Sources: Daum | 스포츠경향