Lee Sang-Bo, a well-known South Korean actor recognized for his roles in series such as Private Lives, The Elegant Empire, and Rugal, was discovered deceased at his residence. He was approximately 43 to 44 years old. On March 26, a family member found Lee's body in the afternoon, prompting the police to initiate an investigation into the cause and circumstances of his death. His agency has also expressed their commitment to understanding the situation. Notably, Lee had previously been involved in a drug-related incident a few years back, which was later dismissed due to a misunderstanding.

On March 27, local reports indicated that the Pyeongtaek Police Station in Gyeonggi Province confirmed Lee was found dead at his home in Pyeongtaek around 12:40 PM by a family member. The authorities have ruled out any criminal involvement. A spokesperson from Lee's agency, Korea Management Group (KMG), stated, "We are aware of the news and are currently trying to comprehend the situation." According to Korean media, Lee's funeral is scheduled for March 29 at 10:30 AM in Room 3 at Jungang Funeral Home in Pyeongtak, Gyeonggi Province.

Numerous fans and colleagues took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their condolences for Lee. One account shared, "We received this news with immense sadness, recognizing his contribution to the art, culture, and Korean entertainment industry, which inspires millions of people around the world. In this moment of pain, we stand in solidarity with family, friends, fans, and all the professionals in the industry who feel this irreparable loss. May his legacy live on through his work and the impact he left on so many hearts. With respect and admiration (sic)."

Born in 1981, Lee Sang-Bo began his acting career in 2006 with the KBS2 drama Invisible Man and subsequently appeared in numerous Korean dramas. His notable works include Private Lives, Miss-Montecristo, Daughters-in-Law, Cruel Love, and The Elegant Empire. In addition to his television roles, Lee featured in films such as the Japanese production Kisarazu Cat's Eye: The Movie 2, and starred in Secretly, Greatly and Mephistopheles, showcasing his versatility across various genres. In 2022, Lee faced allegations regarding drug use, but the investigation was closed after it was determined that there was no evidence of illegal activity, attributing the misunderstanding to prescription medication for depression. In 2025, he signed an exclusive contract with Korea Management Group, aiming for a fresh start in his career.