One of South Korea’s most beloved movie stars, Ahn Sung-ki, died on Monday, Jan. 5. He was 74 years old.
Ahn was admitted to the ICU on Dec. 30 and remained unconscious for six days after he collapsed at his home and suffered cardiac arrest.
He was also diagnosed with blood cancer in 2019 and was still battling the disease at the time of his death.
Ahn was so well respected in the film industry that he was honored with the nickname of “The Nation’s Actor.” He began his acting career in 1957 as a child star in “The Twilight Train” before embarking on a lifetime of success in over 100 films.
In a statement shared by Ahn’s agency, Artist Company, it was revealed that he died at Seoul’s Soonchunhyang University Hospital. The company shared their sympathies, writing, “We feel deep sorrow at the sudden, sad news, pray for the eternal rest of the deceased and offer our heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family members.”
While Ahn’s funeral will be held on January 9 and last for five days for fans and fellow film figures to pay their respects, a memorial altar was immediately set up at the funeral hall of Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital in Seocho-gu, Seoul.
Ahn Sung-ki’s Legacy in the Film Industry
GettyAlthough he would go on to be the country’s first and only South Korean actor to win the Grand Bell Award for Best Actor five times, Ahn took time to focus on his education before his film career took off.
In 1970, he attended Seoul’s Hankuk University of Foreign Studies as a Vietnamese major. After being unable to land a job, he returned to the film industry in 1977. In 1980, he was cast as the lead role in “Good, Windy Days.” Other notable movies he starred in include 1981’s “Mandara,” 1984’s “Whale Hunting,” 1992’s “White Badge,” 1993’s “Two Cops,” 1999’s “Nowhere To Hide,” 2003’s “Silmido” and 2006’s “Radio Star.”
Tributes Pour in for Ahn Sung-ki
As a fan of Ahn, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung paid tribute to the famed actor by sharing a Facebook message. “I salute the life of a teacher who showed humility over glamour and class over competition,” adding, “I already miss his warm smile and gentle voice.”
Fans of Ahn were shocked to hear the news of his passing, with many taking to Instagram to express their grief.
“‘Two Cops’ was one of the funniest movies. Sad to hear his passing. RIP to a legend,” an admirer wrote via Instagram.
“Noooooo!!! OMG 😢,” shared a distraught fan.
“🕊️RIP Enjoyed his work 😟,” added another.
Among many messages of condolence, fans remembered Ahn as charismatic, handsome and an “absolute legend.”
