Ahn Sung-ki, one of South Korean cinema’s most respected and long-serving actors, has died at the age of 74. His career, lasting over 60 years, included more than 130 films, featuring major hits such as «Silmido» and «Radio Star.»
His death was confirmed by his agency, Artist Company, and Seoul’s Soonchunhyang University Hospital, which said Ahn had been fighting blood cancer, according to the Associated Press. He began acting as a child at age five, debuting in 1957’s «The Twilight Train,» and appeared in around 70 films before taking a break during his teenage years.
After graduating with top honours in Vietnamese from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Ahn initially struggled to re-establish his acting career. He returned to the screen in 1977 and achieved his adult breakthrough with Lee Jang-ho’s generational drama «Good, Windy Days» (1980), winning the Grand Bell Award for best new actor.
Over the following decades, Ahn became a key figure in modern Korean cinema, noted for performances defined by restraint, authority and emotional depth. His work included «Mandara,» «Whale Hunting,» «White Badge,» «Two Cops,» the military blockbuster «Silmido,» and the music-industry drama «Radio Star,» in which he played the devoted manager of an ageing singer.
Beyond acting, Ahn contributed actively to Korea’s film community, serving as chair of the Korean Film Actors Association and advocating for performers during times of change.
He is survived by his wife Oh So-yeong and their two sons.
