The South Korean entertainment industry mourns the loss of legendary actor Ahn Sung-ki, who passed away on Monday at age 74 after a courageous battle with blood cancer. According to Yonhap News Agency, the revered screen icon died peacefully surrounded by family members.
Ahn’s health complications intensified recently when he was admitted to intensive care following a choking incident during a meal last week. His passing marks the end of an extraordinary seven-decade career that began when he was just five years old in 1957.
Widely respected for his impeccable professionalism and scandal-free personal life—a notable exception in the entertainment world—Ahn appeared in more than 170 films throughout his prolific career. His artistic journey paralleled the remarkable evolution of South Korean cinema from its modest beginnings to its current status as a global cultural powerhouse.
The actor achieved a significant milestone with the 2003 blockbuster ‘Silmido,’ which became the first South Korean film to surpass 10 million admissions. Based on true events, the film depicted the story of a secret special forces unit composed of former inmates assigned to assassinate North Korea’s leader.
Ahn’s career intersected with South Korea’s cinematic golden age, culminating in the historic Oscar victory of ‘Parasite.’ He is survived by his wife and two sons, leaving behind a legacy that shaped an entire industry.