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, saying the cause would not be disclosed in accordance with the wishes of the grieving family. As colleagues and fans continue to pay their respects, a previously recorded conversation has drawn renewed attention to the difficulties he faced throughout his life.
A 2022 recording recently released by YouTuber Lee Jin Ho captured Lee Sang Bo expressing frustration over a past investigation in which he was wrongly suspected of drug use. At the time, he acknowledged that the authorities had a duty to investigate the serious allegations, but admitted that the experience had left him feeling deeply offended.
“I understand they had to investigate considering the seriousness of the drug-related crimes, even though it made me angry,” he said. “But even now it seems ironic and absurd.”
He went on to say that he was suddenly arrested and taken to hospital, where he underwent repeated tests for more than five or six hours. According to him, the situation became even more painful when he was asked to pay the exam costs himself.
“I thought the authorities or the institution would take care of it first,” he explained. “But I had to sign something like a payment commitment, like I took out a loan, just to leave.”
The actor also revealed that he has been undergoing treatment for depression after suffering a series of personal losses, including the deaths of close family members over a decade. He said he relied on prescription medications to manage his panic disorder, which was ultimately misunderstood during the incident.
After debuting in 2006 with the drama “The Invisible Man Choi Jang Soo”, Lee Sang Bo then faced public scrutiny in 2022 when he was urgently arrested on charges of drug use. However, the case ended with a non-indictment decision after about three weeks, acquitting him of all charges. He later clarified that the substances in question were prescription antidepressants.
Despite the ordeal, she had shown determination to return to acting after signing with a new agency. His passing, four years after the accident, has left many reflecting on the emotional burden he had to bear.
In the final part of the recording, his voice carried a quiet hope: “If there are other methods of treatment, I want to recover my health through them. I want to become healthy enough to live without drugs and come back in better condition.”
His funeral was held on March 29, with his final resting place at Pyeongtaek Municipal Memorial Park. As the tributes continue to pour in, many remember him not only for his work but also for the resilience he demonstrated during difficult times.
Sources: Daum | sports trends
