Veteran Korean actor Ahn Sung-ki has passed away aged 74 after a long battle with blood cancer.
Known as “the nation’s actor,” the Daegu-born actor who starred in over 100 Korean movies has been part of the country’s movie and pop culture landscape since starting as a child actor.
The son of a veteran filmmaker and producer, Ahn started his career aged six in in 1957’s Twilight Train as well as in director Kim Ki-young‘s celebrated 1960 film The Housemaid.
Returning to acting post-studies and his mandatory military service, went on to star in several successful projects like Silmido, Radio Star, Mandala and A Fine, Windy Day, with his last film being Birth in 2022.
Ahn also won numerous awards throughout his long and illustrious career, including Best New Actor at the Grand Bell Awards, which is widely considered as one of the most prestigious awards in Korea.
In addition, he received Bogwan Order of Cultural Merit in 2005 Culture Day – given for “outstanding meritorious services in the fields of culture and art” – and also served as chairman of Korean Film Actors Association from 2006 to 2008.
A statement from his agency ( translated into English by Deadline ) read : “Sung-gi Ahn [Ahn Sung-ki] was a person who has been with the history of popular culture in Korea with a deep sense of mission and consistent dedication to acting.His acting has always been towards people and life, and through his countless works, he has conveyed deep resonance and comfort across ages and generations.”
Ahn who was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2019, died at Seoul’s Soonchunhyang University Hospital after being admitted in critical condition last month. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Having remained a beloved and well-respected figure in Korean cinema throughout his career of over 60 yeards, tributes have poured in for Ahn, including a post from Korean President Lee Jae Myung who wrote that “Ahn left a big footprint on Korean film history and cultural arts.I already miss his warm smile and gentle voice.”
His agency The Artist Company has announced that Ahn’s funeral will take place on Friday, January 9 at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital Funeral Hall.
Rest in peace Ahn Sung-ki – a true icon of Korean cinema!
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