Late actor Lee Sang Bo stayed focused on both his career and daily life up until his passing.
According to StarNews, he had been running a small barbecue restaurant in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. About a month before his death, he shared, “I opened a small barbecue place as a side job. Since it’s not my main work, it’s both fun and challenging.”
After wrapping KBS’s Elegant Empire in January 2024, he had no confirmed projects and shifted his focus to the business, even promoting it himself as a “celebrity-run barbecue spot.”
Despite some ups and downs, he remained committed, staying in touch with reporters just days before his passing. His sudden death has left those around him shocked, with even his agency, Korea Management Group, reportedly unaware of his personal circumstances.
Still, his passion for acting never faded. “I think I’ll have something to share soon about my next project,” he had said, hinting at a return. While nothing was confirmed, he was actively seeking his next role.
Lee Sang Bo was found dead at his home in Pyeongtaek on March 27th. He was 45. Police stated that there are no signs of foul play and are currently investigating the exact cause of death. His social media account has since been cleared of all posts.
Born in 1981, he debuted in 2006 with The Invisible Man Choi Jang Soo (literal title) and appeared in dramas like Private Lives, Miss Monte-Cristo and Elegant Empire, as well as the film Secretly, Greatly.
In 2022, he faced allegations of drug use, which were later determined to be a misunderstanding related to medication for depression, and he was cleared of all charges. At the time, he shared that he had been struggling with depression and panic disorder after losing close family members.
He returned to acting in 2023, sharing, “What helped me endure and recover was the support and encouragement from so many people. I want to repay that through my work.”
He signed with Korea Management Group last year, signaling a fresh start. Instead, the news of his passing marked his final chapter. His funeral was held on March 29th.
>> ‘Secretly, Greatly’ Actor Lee Sang Bo Found Dead at 45 Years Old
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