Actor Lee Sang-bo "Due to Antidepressant Ingredients... Never Used Drugs" Denies Drug Charges

Sangbo Lee "Took Sedatives Due to Worsening Depression"
Police Request Drug Component Testing and Detailed Analysis from National Forensic Service

Actor Lee Sang-bo (41), who was suspected of drug use, denied the charges, stating that he was "taking medication for depression." The photo shows Lee Sang-bo, who was arrested on the 10th on drug use charges, captured on closed-circuit television (CCTV).
Photo by SBS News Screen Capture

[Asia Economy Culture Young Intern Reporter] Actor Lee Sang-bo, who was urgently arrested by the police on suspicion of drug use and then released, has completely denied the drug charges. He also announced legal action against speculative reports.

In an interview with YTN on the 13th, Lee said, "I have never used drugs, and the misunderstanding arose because I was taking medication related to depression." He added, "After my father passed away in 2009, followed by my sister and mother who died in accidents, my depression worsened."

He expressed his frustration, saying, "The positive reaction in the police drug test was due to a small amount of drug components contained in the depression medication," and "Taking tranquilizers and other drugs caused the misunderstanding."

In fact, the medical certificate submitted by Lee's side reportedly stated that he has been taking antidepressants and tranquilizers for depression and anxiety since 2019.

Regarding media reports that Lee admitted to drug use during police investigation, he stated, "I have never admitted to the related charges," and announced his intention to take legal action against indiscriminate speculative reports.

Earlier, on the 10th, the police responded to a resident's report saying, "A man suspected of using drugs is running around." After reports emerged that a male actor in his 40s was urgently arrested on drug charges, numerous posts speculating about the actor appeared. Suspected actors denied the allegations, and later articles confirmed that the actor was Lee Sang-bo.

The police who received the report urgently arrested Lee at his home in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, on the afternoon of the 10th on suspicion of violating the Narcotics Control Act but released him on the 12th. The police stated they would investigate Lee without detention, keeping various possibilities open.

The police are conducting a component analysis at the National Forensic Service to verify whether Lee took drugs, and they have requested a detailed examination of the drug components found in Lee's body and are awaiting the results.

Meanwhile, Lee Sang-bo debuted in 2006 with the KBS 2TV drama "Invisible Man Choi Jang-soo." He later appeared in dramas such as "Daughter-in-law's Prime Time," "Evil Love," and "Private Life," and also appeared in the KBS 2TV daily drama "Miss Monte Cristo," which ended in July.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.