The South Korean entertainment industry is in mourning following the sudden passing of actor Lee Sang-bo. The 44-year-old star was found deceased on March 26, 2026, after family members alerted authorities to an emergency. The Pyeongtaek Police Station in Gyeonggi Province confirmed that they are currently investigating the exact cause of death, though officials noted there were no immediate signs of foul play at the scene.

Lee was a staple of K-drama television, most recently gaining acclaim for his performance in the KBS drama Elegant Empire. After debuting in 2006 in Invisible Man Choi Jang-su, he built a versatile career with prominent roles in Private Lives and Miss Montecristo. Last year, Lee signaled a fresh start by signing an exclusive contract with Korea Management Group (KMG) and was reportedly in the process of reviewing scripts for upcoming projects at the time of his passing.

His career was also marked by a significant legal victory in 2022. After being wrongfully arrested on drug allegations, Lee was fully cleared when investigations proved the incident was a misunderstanding involving prescribed medication for depression and panic disorder. He often spoke candidly about his mental health struggles following the loss of several family members. A memorial altar has been established at the Pyeongtaek Central Funeral Hall, with a funeral procession scheduled for later this week.