An Sung-ki, a beloved “national actor” passed away on the 5th at the age of 74. According to his agency, Artist Company, An Sung-ki died at 9 a.m. in the intensive care unit of Soonchunhyang University Hospital in Yongsan-gu, Seoul.
Last month, on the 30th, An collapsed at home after choking on food and was rushed to the hospital, receiving CPR. He was in a coma in the intensive care unit and passed away with his family by his side six days after hospitalization.
An Sung-ki debuted as a child actor in 1957 in director Kim Ki-young’s “Twilight Train” and appeared in over 140 films over six decades into the early 2020s. He was loved as a “national actor” for his roles in hit movies such as “Nowhere to Hide,” “Two Cops,” “Radio Star,” and “Silmido.”
In 2019, An started battling blood cancer, revealing this in a 2022 media interview. Although he received a full recovery diagnosis at one point, the cancer later recurred, necessitating further treatment. Despite his illness, he continued to act in films like “Hansan: Rising Dragon” and “Birth” and attended events such as the 27th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival and the 4·19 Democratic Peace Award Ceremony.
His agency honored him, saying, “An Sung-ki has been a part of Korean popular culture history with a deep sense of duty and unwavering sincerity towards acting. His performances have consistently resonated with and comforted many across different eras and generations.”
The agency added, “He was a true ‘national actor’ who cherished dignity and responsibility as a person, respecting colleagues and the industry. His works and spirit will remain with us and be remembered by many.”
The late actor’s funeral will be held as a film industry tribute, organized by the Shin Young-gyun Arts & Culture Foundation and the Korean Actors Society. Honorary funeral chairpersons include Shin Young-gyun, directors Bae Chang-ho, and Lee Kang-sub, and other prominent figures. Movie stars Lee Jung-jae and Jung Woo-sung will carry the coffin. An Sung-ki’s memorial is set up in Room 31 at the Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital Funeral Hall, with the funeral to take place at 6 a.m. on the 9th, at a resting place in Yangpyeong named “Sky Garden.”