SEOUL, South Korea — Ahn Sung-ki, a celebrated figure in South Korean cinema whose illustrious six-decade career earned him the title of “The Nation’s Actor,” passed away on Monday at the age of 74 after a prolonged battle with blood cancer. The announcement was made by his agency, the Artist Company, along with Soonchunhyang University Hospital in Seoul.
“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,” stated the Artist Company.
Ahn was born in Daegu in 1952, the son of a filmmaker. He began his career as a child actor with his debut in the 1957 film “The Twilight Train,” going on to appear in nearly 70 films during his youth before stepping away to pursue a more conventional life. In 1970, he attended Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, studying Vietnamese and graduating with top honors. However, after the Vietnam War’s conclusion in 1975, job opportunities dwindled, prompting Ahn to return to acting in 1977.
His career skyrocketed in 1980 with his leading role in the coming-of-age film “Good, Windy Days,” which showcased the challenges faced by working-class individuals amid South Korea’s rapid urbanization. Ahn’s remarkable performance earned him the Best New Actor award at the Grand Bell Awards, South Korea’s equivalent to the Academy Awards.
Throughout his career, Ahn starred in numerous influential films, including impactful roles as a Buddhist monk in “Mandara” (1981), a beggar in “Whale Hunting” (1984), a Vietnam War veteran in “White Badge” (1992), and a special forces trainer in “Silmido” (2003). His talent brought him five Best Actor awards at the Grand Bell Awards, a record that remains unmatched by any other actor in the country.
Ahn cultivated an image of humility and reliability, steering clear of scandals and maintaining a stable personal life. His status as the nation’s beloved actor earned him a place as one of South Korea’s most cherished public figures. While he had reservations about the title initially, he recognized it as guiding him toward a path of integrity in his career.
In recent interviews, Ahn expressed his reluctance to perform romantic scenes due to a deep-seated shyness, preferring to focus on roles that resonated with his authentic self. He cited his part as a devoted manager in the film “Radio Star” (2006) as one of his most reflective portrayals.
Ahn is survived by his wife and their two sons. A mourning station at a Seoul hospital has been set up and will remain open until Friday. His contributions to the Korean film industry have left an indelible mark and will be remembered fondly by audiences and colleagues alike.