Baek Byung-yeul is a journalist at The Korea Times focused on cultural content, including films and cultural events in South Korea. You can contact him at baekby@koreatimes.co.kr to share your insights.
Korean screen legend Ahn Sung-ki dies at 74
Actor Ahn Sung-ki attends the opening ceremony of the 26th Busan International Film Festival at Busan Cinema Center, Oct. 6, 2021. Newsis
By Baek Byung-yeul, Pyo Kyung-min
Veteran actor Ahn Sung-ki, widely regarded as a foundational figure in Korea’s modern film history, died at age 74.
Ahn passed away Monday morning at Soonchunhyang University Hospital in Seoul’s Yongsan District, with family members at his bedside in the hospital’s intensive care unit.
He had been hospitalized in an unconscious state since collapsing at his home on Dec. 30 after choking on food.
After being diagnosed with blood cancer in 2019, he underwent treatment and was told the cancer was in remission in 2020. However, the disease reportedly returned during follow-up observations, and he has been battling the illness ever since.
Despite his health challenges, Ahn remained committed to the film industry. He made public appearances in 2023, including attending the opening ceremony of the 27th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival.
A portrait of late actor Ahn Sung-ki is displayed at his funeral altar at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital in southern Seoul, Monday. His five-day funeral is being held as a film industry memorial, with a public condolence space open at the Seoul Film Center from Tuesday to Thursday and a funeral procession scheduled for Friday. Yonhap
Born in 1952, Ahn debuted as a child actor in director Kim Ki-young’s “The Twilight Train” (1957), as well as in Kim’s renowned horror film, “The Housemaid” (1960). Throughout a career spanning more than six decades, he appeared in over 140 films, becoming a core figure in modern Korean cinema.
He rose to superstardom with a string of hits, including “A Fine, Windy Day” (1980), for which he won the Best New Actor award at the Grand Bell Awards.
Actor Ahn Sung-ki, right, is seen in the 1984 film "Whale Hunting." Yonhap
He went on to star in era-defining films such as “Chilsu and Mansu” (1988), “Two Cops” (1993), “Nowhere to Hide” (1999) and “Silmido” (2003), which was the first Korean film to surpass 10 million admissions. His performance in “Radio Star” (2006) brought him Best Actor honors at both the Blue Dragon and Grand Bell Awards.
His final screen appearance was a special role in “Noryang: Deadly Sea” (2023), a historical epic about legendary Joseon naval admiral Yi Sun-sin.
Ahn Sung-ki, right, is seen in a scene from the 1996 film "Two Cops 2" with actor Park Joong-hoon. Yonhap
Actor Ahn Sung-ki holds his Best Actor trophy for the film "Two Cops" at the 32nd Grand Bell Awards in Seoul in 1994. Yonhap
Throughout his career, he garnered more than 40 acting awards, cementing his legacy as one of the most respected figures in the nation’s cultural history.
Tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry following news of Ahn’s death.
Artist Company, Ahn’s agency, said in a statement Monday that it was “deeply saddened by the sudden loss” and extended its condolences to his family.
“Through a profound sense of duty to acting and unwavering sincerity, Ahn Sung-ki stood alongside the history of Korean popular culture,” the agency said. “His performances were always directed toward people and life, offering deep resonance and comfort across generations through countless works.”
Ahn Sung-ki, left, and Park Joong-hoon are seen in a scene from the 2006 film "Radio Star." Yonhap
UNICEF Korea, where Ahn served as a goodwill ambassador for decades, also paid tribute in a post on its official social media.
“To children around the world, he was a steadfast pillar of hope,” the organization wrote, noting that Ahn had devoted more than 40 years to children’s causes. “It was an honor to walk alongside him. We extend our heartfelt gratitude and hope he rests in peace.”
Veteran musician and longtime radio host Bae Chul-soo shared a photo taken with Ahn on Instagram, writing, “Whenever we met, he always greeted me with a bright smile. Brother Ahn Sung-ki, may you rest in peace.”
Actor Lee Si-eon also paid tribute on social media, saying, “I grew up dreaming while watching your performances. I will always respect you,” while singer-songwriter Yoon Jong-shin thanked the late actor for years of inspiration and said he would not be forgotten.
Actor Ahn Sung-ki, who died Monday at the age of 74, served for decades as a UNICEF Korea goodwill ambassador. Korea Times file
Ahn’s funeral is being held over five days as a film industry funeral, with the procession taking place on Friday. Veteran actor Shin Young-kyun is acting as honorary funeral committee chair, with top actors Lee Jung-jae, Jung Woo-sung and others expected to serve as pallbearers. A public memorial space will be open at Seoul Film Center from Tuesday to Thursday.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism also announced Monday it will posthumously award Ahn the Geumgwan (Gold) Order of Cultural Merit, the nation’s highest cultural honor, recognizing him as a symbol of Korean cinema’s rise from the 1990s through the 2000s.
He had previously received the Bogwan (Precious Crown) Order of Cultural Merit in 2005 and the Eungwan (Silver) Order in 2013. In 2024, he was inducted as a member of Korea’s National Academy of Arts.