MANILA, Philippines — South Korean actor Lee Sang-bo, known for his roles in television dramas such as “Miss Monte-Cristo” and “Private Lives,” has died at the age of 44, his agency confirmed Friday.
Lee was found dead at his home in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, at around 12:40 p.m. on March 26, according to local police. Family members discovered him and alerted authorities. Investigators said there were no immediate signs of foul play and are working to determine the exact cause of death.
His agency, Korea Management Group (KMG), confirmed his passing but said details surrounding the cause of death would not be disclosed at the request of his family.
“We ask for your understanding that it is difficult to disclose the cause of death at the request of the bereaved family,” the agency said as translated by Soompi.
Lee’s wake is being held at Pyeongtaek Central Funeral Home, with funeral services scheduled for March 29. He will be laid to rest at Pyeongtaek Municipal Memorial Park.
“We respectfully decline coverage and visiting for the protection of his family and request for cooperation,” the statement added.
Born in 1981, Lee began his acting career in 2006 with the drama “Invisible Man Choi Jang Soo.” He went on to appear in a range of television series, including “Miss Monte-Cristo,” “Private Lives,” “Rugal,” and “Elegant Empire,” building a steady career largely in supporting roles before gaining wider recognition in later projects.
In 2022, Lee drew public attention after he was detained on suspicion of illegal drug use following reports of erratic behavior in Seoul. He was later released without charges after authorities determined the incident stemmed from prescribed medication for depression and anxiety.
“I've never used drugs, I've never seen drugs, and I've never been associated with a person who used drugs.I've never done drugs. What I'm taking right now is a tranquilizer,” he said at the time.
Lee had previously spoken about his struggles with mental health, which began after the death of his father in 2009 and were compounded by later family tragedies.
His death marks the end of a career that spanned nearly 20 years in South Korea’s television industry.
