At a Glance
- South Korea mourns legend Ahn Sung-ki, 74, after his death from blood cancer.
- The beloved actor, known as “The Nation’s Actor,” won five Grand Bell Awards for Best Actor.
- His career spanned 60 years with around 70 films.
- Why it matters: The passing of a cultural icon leaves a profound impact on Korean cinema and its audience.
South Korea lost one of its most beloved actors, Ahn Sung-ki, who passed away on Monday at the age of 74 after a long battle with blood cancer. The 60-year-old star, known as “The Nation’s Actor,” had a prolific career of around 70 films and earned five Grand Bell Awards for Best Actor. His death has prompted tributes from fans, the government, and the film industry.
Life and Career
Born in Daegu in 1952 to a filmmaker, Ahn debuted as a child actor in 1957’s The Twilight Train and appeared in about 70 movies before stepping away from film. He returned in 1977 after graduating from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies with a Vietnamese major, determined to resume acting. His breakthrough came in 1980 with Lee Jang-ho’s Good, Windy Days, earning him the Grand Bell Award for Best New Actor.
Ahn’s filmography includes roles as a Buddhist monk in Mandara (1981), a beggar in Whale Hunting (1984), a Vietnam War veteran-turned-novelist in White Badge (1992), a corrupt cop in Two Cops (1993), a murderer in No Where To Hide (1999), a special forces trainer in Silmido (2003), and a devoted manager in Radio Star (2006).
- Buddhist monk in Mandara (1981)
- Beggar in Whale Hunting (1984)
- Vietnam War veteran-turned-novelist in White Badge (1992)
- Corrupt cop in Two Cops (1993)
- Murderer in No Where To Hide (1999)
- Special forces trainer in Silmido (2003)
- Manager in Radio Star (2006)
Public Image and Legacy
Ahn cultivated an image of humility and family values, avoiding scandals and maintaining a low-profile personal life. Public polls repeatedly named him South Korea’s most beloved actor, earning him the nickname “The Nation’s Actor.”
Ahn said in 2023:
> “I felt I should do something that could match that title. But I think that has eventually guided me in a good direction.”
He also admitted his discomfort with romantic scenes, explaining in 2007 that he was shy and could not express such emotions well.
Ahn said in 2007:
> “I don’t do well on acting like looking at someone who I don’t love with loving eyes and kissing really romantically. I feel shy and can’t express such emotions well.”
Final Days and Tributes
Ahn died at Soonchunhyang University Hospital in Seoul, where he had been treated for blood cancer. His agency, the Artist Company, released a statement expressing deep sorrow and offering condolences to his family.
Artist Company said:
> “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.”
President Lee Jae Myung posted a tribute on Facebook, saying:
President Lee Jae Myung said:
> “I already miss his warm smile and gentle voice.”
A mourning station at a Seoul hospital ran until Friday, and Ahn is survived by his wife and two sons.
Key Takeaways
- Ahn Sung-ki, 74, died after a battle with blood cancer.
- He was a 60-year-career star known as “The Nation’s Actor.”
- He won five Grand Bell Awards for Best Actor.
The passing of a cultural icon leaves a profound impact on Korean cinema and its audience.
