On the 5th, when "national actor" Ahn Sung-ki died, tributes poured in not only from the film industry but also from politics.
Cho Kuk, leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, visited the mortuary set up at The Catholic Univ. of Korea Seoul St. Mary's Hospital in Seocho-gu, Seoul, that day. Cho said, "I grew up watching Teacher Ahn Sung-ki's films since childhood," adding, "Ahn Sung-ki himself is Korean film history."
Cho also said, "In the past, in the film 'Radio Star,' he once said there is no star that shines alone and that we should be stars that reflect one another's light. I hope he will become a star in the sky and shine on everyone."
Bae Hyun-jin of the People Power Party also visited the mortuary that day, saying, "He was ill and struggling for a long time, and I hope he can now rest in heaven, receiving even greater love for the love he gave the people." The two co-hosted the 2010 Korea Film Critics Association Awards ceremony.
Bae said, "Teacher Ahn worked to show a new side to many people, even acting a scene where he eats raw chicken," adding, "In the film 'Hansan,' he acted his best in heavy armor despite the heat, and I think that will not be forgotten in people's minds even 100 years from now."
Tributes to Ahn Sung-ki also flooded social media that day. President Lee Jae-myung said, "As he said, 'I lived with film as my dream and acting as my life,' acting was life itself for the teacher, and that life became a time of comfort, joy and reflection for countless people," adding, "I pay my respects to the teacher who showed dignity over competition and humility over glamour. I already miss the warm smile and gentle voice."
Although he was once asked to enter politics thanks to his exemplary image, he declined and devoted himself to advancing the film and arts community.
Park Ji-won of the Democratic Party of Korea shared an anecdote about former President Kim Dae-jung trying to recruit the late actor. Park said, "Teacher Ahn persuaded me, saying, 'I respect and follow DJ (former President Kim Dae-jung), but I will serve the people as a film actor.'" Park added that after hearing this from him, the former president said his thinking had been short-sighted and noted, "Mr. Ahn Sung-ki serving the people as an actor is the right path."
Joo Ho-young of the People Power Party commemorated him, saying, "In the film 'Radio Star,' which he was said to like most, there's a line that says, 'A star does not shine on its own but reflects received light,' and the name Ahn Sung-ki is exactly that kind of star."
Song Eon-seog, floor leader of the People Power Party, wrote on Facebook, "Teacher Ahn Sung-ki, who was the face of all Koreans—from detective and soldier to president and king—has passed away." He continued, "The deceased not only gave hope and comfort with fine acting, but also showed a model of thorough self-discipline, never once being involved in an unsavory incident or accident," adding, "I pray that the teacher, who has become an eternal star, will shine a bright light on our society."
Starting with the 1957 film 'Twilight Train,' Ahn Sung-ki appeared in as many as 180 works. Even after being diagnosed with blood cancer in 2019, he continued acting and was declared fully recovered. However, the cancer recurred, and on the 30th of last month he was found collapsed at home and taken to a hospital. Ahn Sung-ki was treated in the intensive care unit but died around 9 a.m. that day in the presence of his family. The government decided to posthumously award him the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit, the highest honor in popular culture and arts.