Korean film icon who conveyed warmth through cultural diplomacy and donations beyond cinema… the late national actor Ahn Sung-ki 'passes away'
Ahn Sung-ki, a 'national actor' who left a clear mark on the history of Korean cinema, has left us. He was 74. News of his death, as a figure of his generation not only in acting but also in donations, public service and cultural diplomacy, has prompted mourning across society beyond the film industry.
Ahn Sung-ki's agency Artist Company said on the 5th, "Actor Ahn Sung-ki passed away at 9 a.m. on Jan. 5, 2026." The late actor collapsed at his home on the 30th of last month while eating when food became lodged in his throat and was taken to the hospital in cardiac arrest. He received intensive care in the intensive care unit but ultimately did not recover and died surrounded by family.
An altar prepared at the hospital he had donated to during his lifetime… "a response to the love I received"
His altar has been set up in funeral room 31 at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital. The funeral procession will be at 6 a.m. on the 9th, and the burial place is Yangpyeong Byeolgeurida dadadada.
Seoul St. Mary's Hospital was where Ahn received treatment while battling blood cancer and was also the hospital to which he made his last donation. In 2021, when his condition temporarily improved after chemotherapy, he donated 100 million won to this hospital and said, "I hope this will be a small hope for those who cannot receive treatment due to financial difficulties. It is a response to the love I have received."
Ahn, a devout Catholic, had the baptismal name 'Saint John.' His connection to the hospital ran deep: both of his children were born at Gangnam St. Mary's Hospital, the predecessor of Seoul St. Mary's Hospital. During Pope Francis's visit to Korea in 2014, he took part in a reading at the mass presided over by the pope, showing his faith.
While battling illness in 2022, he appeared in the film about the life of Korea's first priest, Father Kim Dae-geon, saying, "It is not a large role, but I participated out of a sense of duty and responsibility as a Catholic," maintaining his professionalism as an actor until the end.
"A person who promoted Korean culture and history"… Professor Seo Kyoung-duk's tribute
His footprint in cultural diplomacy was deep. Professor Seo Kyoung-duk of Sungshin Women's University expressed his condolences on social media on the 5th, saying, "He was not only a great contributor to the development of Korean film but also someone who led efforts to promote Korea's culture and history to the world."
Professor Seo recalled, "He willingly participated as a narrator in the 3·1 Movement 100th anniversary independence movement history video, the 6·25 War 70th anniversary national campaign, and promotional videos for the excavation of war remains," and "he directly joined videos promoting Hangeul Day's 'King Sejong' globally, and videos that publicized UNESCO intangible heritages such as kimchi-making culture and nongak."
He added, "Even with a busy schedule, he said promoting Korea was important and worked with me in the recording studio from early morning until late at night," and "I am truly grateful to my senior."
UNICEF and Catholics mourn… "a pillar of hope"
UNICEF Korea, where Ahn served for a long time as an honorary ambassador, also mourned him on its official social media, saying, "We will not forget the time he spent with UNICEF. Thank you."
UNICEF said, "To us he was a national actor with a kind smile, and to children around the world he was a strong pillar of hope," and honored him as "someone who stood by children with consistent affection for more than 40 years."
Archbishop Jeong Soon-taek of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul expressed deep condolences, saying, "He was an artist who conveyed hope, consolation and warm happiness to the people through his acting, and someone who left a light in the world by donating and doing good works."
A funeral with film industry honors… bidding farewell to a figure of his generation
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 chairman Shin Young-kyun, director Bae Chang-ho, The Korea Film Actors Association Chairman Lee Gap-seong and other film figures served as co-funeral committee chairs, and colleagues including actors Lee Jeong-jae and Jung Woosung will carry the casket.
Beyond being a symbol of Korean film, he was a figure of his generation who conveyed warmth through cultural diplomacy and donations. Ahn Sung-ki's absence will remain large and deep for a long time.
[Photo] 'OSEN DB, SNS'
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