Actor Ahn Sung-gi died after failing to regain consciousness while receiving treatment in the intensive care unit for cardiac arrest. As a "national actor" who received much love, not only the entertainment industry but many people could not hide their grief.
Ahn Sung-gi died at 9 a.m. on Jan. 5, 2026, at the age of 74. Ahn had recently been moved to the intensive care unit in a state of cardiac arrest and received intensive treatment, but ultimately did not recover and passed away while his family watched.
Born in 1962, Ahn Sung-gi debuted as a child actor at the age of 5. He made his child actor debut in director Kim Ki-young's 1957 film "Twilight Train," and later left a strong impression as a pickpocket boy in Kim Ki-young's "Rebellion of the Teenagers," winning the special juvenile acting award at the San Francisco International Film Festival. Ahn Sung-gi showed a wide range of acting across genres in films such as "A Windy Day," "Deep and Blue Night," "Chilsu and Mansu," "Mandala," "White War," "Two Cops," "Radio Star," "Splendid Vacation," and "The Attorney."
Beyond acting, he served as executive chairman of the Busan International Film Festival, executive chairman of the Asiana International Short Film Festival, and chairman of the Shin Young-kyun Arts and Culture Foundation, maintaining a central role in the film world. In 2013 he received the Silver Crown Cultural Medal at the Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards.
With more than 160 appearances, Ahn Sung-gi was also the owner of the "triple crown," having repeatedly won best actor awards at South Korea's three major film awards—the Grand Bell Awards, the Blue Dragon Film Awards and the Baeksang Arts Awards. He also aroused sympathy during a battle with blood cancer. After it became known in 2019 that he was battling blood cancer, he continued treatment and appeared at events such as the Kang Soo-yeon memorial exhibition, the Wildflower Film Awards, Lee Jun-ik retrospective, and the Golden Camera Awards ceremony, reporting that he had recovered.
Even while battling illness, Ahn Sung-gi appeared in films such as "Hansan: Rising Dragon" and "Birth," and despite having difficulty moving he attended film-related events and encouraged juniors. He devoted himself to recovery and was preparing to return to acting as a "national actor," but ultimately did not wake and became a star in the sky.
After news of Ahn Sung-gi's death was reported, Yoon Jongshin left a condolence post saying, "Thank you for a long time. I really liked you. I will not forget you." Jang Seongkyu also commented on Yoon Jongshin's post, saying, "I offer my deepest condolences to the deceased," conveying his deep sorrow.
Bae Chul-soo released a photo taken with Ahn Sung-gi and paid tribute, saying, "Ahn Sung-gi hyung, who always greeted me with a bright smile when we met. Rest in peace." Lee Si-eon also said, "Watching your acting as a child nurtured my dream. I always respect you. Rest in peace, Ahn Sung-gi."
Meanwhile, Ahn Sung-gi's funeral will be set up in room 31 of the Seoul St. Mary's Hospital funeral hall. The funeral procession will take place at 6 a.m. on the 9th, and the burial site is Yangpyeong Byeolgeurida.
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