Actor Ahn Sung-ki has passed away, and anecdotes from colleagues and juniors in the film industry who worked with him are being reexamined. They remembered the deceased not merely as a star but as the "great elder of the film world" who maintained order on set and paved the way for younger actors.
On the 11th, the MBC memorial special documentary "national actor, Ahn Sung-ki" depicted the life of Ahn Sung-ki, who lived as "a history of Korean cinema" and "the face of an era," and the last traces he left behind. The narration was handled by actor Byun Yo-Han, who had ties with Ahn Sung-ki through films such as "Hansan: Rising Dragon."
The broadcast that day included various content from Ahn Sung-ki's debut to his final film appearances, but the aspect remembered by filmmakers as the "person Ahn Sung-ki" struck an emotional chord.
The greatest virtue of Ahn Sung-ki remembered by junior actors was "diligence." Seo Hyunjin recalled, "The senior was never late even once. He was always on set before me." Director Im Kwon-taek also said, "When Ahn Sung-ki arrived on set, even I as the director had to be mentally composed," suggesting that his mere presence brought vitality and tension to the set.
Rather than asserting privileges as a lead actor, Ahn Sung-ki took care of marginalized juniors first. Actor Park Cheol-min recalled an incident when production staff scolded a bit-part actor who was in a room with air conditioning on a past shoot, and Ahn Sung-ki became a shield, saying, "He needs to practice lines with me." Actor Kim Sang-kyung also said he cannot forget the deceased's warm nature, who recognized him as a newcomer and reached out first to offer congratulations.
Ahn Sung-ki willingly used his fame to expand the base of Korean cinema. Actor Shin Hyun-joon said, "The senior, who had been a lead for life, set a great example for juniors by accepting villain and supporting roles and letting go," and analyzed that thanks to his actions, a foundation was laid for juniors to act without being bound to the size of roles.
In fact, he led the establishment of the "Asiana International Short Film Festival" for short films that lacked screening venues, and he volunteered to appear in low-budget and independent films without pay, calling himself a "film industry worker." Shim Jae-myung, CEO of Myung Films, highly praised his dedication, saying, "The deceased willingly stepped forward regardless of scale wherever his services were needed."
Colleagues agreed that the stature Ahn Sung-ki built as an actor helped create an environment where Korean actors are respected today. Actor Lee Mi-Sook expressed gratitude, saying, "Because he fulfilled his duties, we are able to work," and narrator Byun Yo-Han choked up, saying, "Thank you for being our pillar all this time."
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