Sangbo Lee "Stigma as a Drug Actor... Even Opening Medicine Packs Causes Trauma"

"Directly Bearing Inspection Cost of 1.2 Million Won"

Actor Lee Sang-bo expressed outrage over the fact that the allegations of his drug use were proven to be false. He was particularly upset that he had to bear the financial costs incurred during the drug testing process. Photo is not related to the specific content of the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Actor Lee Sang-bo, who was cleared of drug use allegations, revealed his feelings of frustration and emptiness, saying, "When the National Forensic Service (NFS) reported a negative result for drugs, I felt hollow and devastated." He was cleared of charges during the police investigation stage on the 30th of last month.

Lee Sang-bo appeared on CBS Radio's "Kim Hyun-jung's News Show" on the 4th and said, "There were many speculative reports and unverified fact-checking articles and broadcasts," adding, "I was confused seeing reports claiming I used drugs spreading so quickly in such a short time." He continued, "For three weeks, despite not being an influential actor, I was treated like this. It made me think, 'People can really be like this, and it can be this cruel.'"

He also explained that he has been taking sedatives for depression treatment. He said, "I take sedatives for depression and various treatments, but as time passed, my longing for my family and loneliness grew, and drinking a can of beer was the trigger," describing the situation when he was urgently arrested.

Lee Sang-bo also said he had to bear the cost of the tests himself. He said, "I still don't understand, and it's not something to laugh about, but after undergoing all the drug tests, when it came time to pay, the detectives all turned their backs on me," adding, "The cost was about 1.2 million won." He continued, "They sent me to the hospital, and I had no choice, but when the bill came, they neglected me," and added, "I thought the state agency would naturally cover it, but they told me to pay."

Lee Sang-bo also revealed that he developed trauma after this incident. He said, "I was prescribed ENT medication and was taking it on a corner when I made eye contact with someone," adding, "They recognized me, and even while taking the medicine, I was afraid to open it. Because of the trauma, I couldn't even take this."

Earlier, on the 10th, the police urgently arrested Lee Sang-bo after receiving a report of "a man appearing intoxicated by drugs walking around." At the time, Lee Sang-bo strongly denied the drug use allegations, stating that he was taking medication for depression and panic disorder. Later, on the 30th of last month, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul announced that the case was closed without prosecution as no evidence of drug use was found against Lee Sang-bo. According to the police, the NFS's detailed analysis found no morphine components in Lee Sang-bo's urine and hair samples.