Ahn Sung-ki, a "national actor" who left a clear mark on the history of Korean cinema, has left us. The film industry and many sectors of society have risen in a wave of mourning over the news of the late actor, who always conveyed hope to the people with his gentle smile and deeply nuanced acting.
According to his agency Artist Company, Ahn Sung-ki died at 9 a.m. on the 5th at the age of 74.
Ahn Sung-ki, who had been diagnosed with blood cancer in 2019, continued chemotherapy and was declared cured in 2020, but a recurrence was confirmed during a regular checkup six months later, and he began treatment again.
However, after choking on food and collapsing while eating on the 30th of last month, he was taken to the hospital in cardiac arrest and received treatment, but ultimately did not recover and passed away.
When the news of Ahn Sung-ki's death was reported, messages of mourning poured in from all walks of life. In response to the news of the late actor, who was a devout Catholic in life, Archbishop Jeong Soon-taek of the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul expressed deep condolences for the passing of the late Ahn Sung-ki, apostle John.
Archbishop Jeong said he was deeply sorrowful, saying, "I am filled with great sadness and mourning upon hearing the news of the passing of the late Ahn Sung-ki, apostle John, who for many years as a 'national actor' conveyed a profound resonance to our society."
He went on to pay tribute, saying, "Actor Ahn Sung-ki was an artist who left a distinct footprint in the history of Korean cinema and a person who conveyed hope, consolation and warm happiness to the people through his acting," and "the genuine presence he showed in his works has remained in the hearts of many across generations and eras and became a bright light for our society."
Archbishop Jeong also commented on Ahn Sung-ki's faith and life, recalling, "Actor Ahn Sung-ki was a devout Catholic who cared for his neighbors and never lost his warm gaze toward the vulnerable, and he conveyed hope for a world of coexistence through donations and good deeds."
Finally, Archbishop Jeong added, "We will long remember the sincerity and goodness that Ahn Sung-ki, apostle John, left through film and life," and "I pray for God's great mercy and peace to be upon Actor Ahn Sung-ki, and I offer deep consolation and solidarity to the bereaved family and all who loved him."
The UNICEF Korea Committee, where the late actor served as a goodwill ambassador for a long time, also expressed condolences through its official social media, saying, "Goodwill ambassador Ahn Sung-ki, we will not forget the times you spent with UNICEF. Thank you. We respectfully pray for the repose of the deceased."
UNICEF said, "'Every time I meet children, I learn how much greater the joy of giving is than receiving.' To us he was a 'national actor' with a gentle smile, and to children around the world he was a steadfast 'pillar of hope,' goodwill ambassador Ahn Sung-ki. After more than 40 years of unwavering affection, goodwill ambassador Ahn Sung-ki, who stood by children, has now left us."
They added, "Goodwill ambassador Ahn Sung-ki dedicated his life to protecting children as much as he did to his acting career, and his very existence served as a model for our society," and "we deeply thank goodwill ambassador Ahn Sung-ki for joining UNICEF Korea Committee with boundless love for children around the world, and we respectfully pray for the repose of the deceased."
Fellow senior and junior colleagues in the industry were also plunged into grief. Kim Jong-soo, who belongs to the same agency, said, "The late Ahn Sung-ki (1952.1.1~2026.1.5): I remember running from the theater to home as a high school freshman with a buzz cut after watching senior's film 'A Windy, Good Day' and feeling an inexplicable heat; your numerous works enriched my youth. Thank you, senior. Rest peacefully where you are free from pain. We respectfully pray for the repose of the deceased."
Hwang Jae-geun said, "That painful disease that took my father. Even if one recovers, it is not a complete recovery, and one cannot truly live freely but must remain isolated; the repeated treatment process is so painful that it makes one give up treatment and want to leave. From that devilish disease, may he be freed and fly comfortably and peacefully."
Shin Hyun-joon said, "While working with senior for the first time as Jung Ha-seop, Kim Beom-woo's pupil, in director Im Kwon-taek's film 'Taebaek Mountains,' I learned many things. A good actor is a good person. I love you, senior."
In addition, many stars including Bae Chul-soo, Yoon Jongshin and Lee Si-eon shared their grief on social media.
Meanwhile, Ahn Sung-ki's wake will be held in funeral hall room 31 at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital. The funeral procession will be at 6 a.m. on the 9th, and the burial site is Yangpyeong Byeolgeurida.
The funeral will be held as a film-industry funeral organized by the Shin Young-kyun Arts and Culture Foundation and the Korea Film Actors Association. Honorary chairmen Shin Young-kyun and director Bae Chang-ho, The Korea Film Actors Association chairman Lee Gap-seong, acting head of the Shin Young-kyun Arts and Culture Foundation Shin Eon-sik, and Korea Film Association chairman Yang Yoon-ho served as four co-chairmen of the funeral committee, and actors Lee Jung-jae and Jung Woo-sung and other film personnel will carry the casket to see the deceased off on his final journey.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]