Korean “Nation’s Actor” & ‘Silmido’ Star Was 74

Ahn Sung-ki, star of more than 100 Korean movies who was dubbed “the nation’s actor,” has died aged 74. After suffering from blood cancer for years, he died at Seoul’s Soonchunhyang University Hospital, his agency, the Artist Company, said in a social media post.

“Sung-gi Ahn [Ahn Sung-ki] was a person who has been with the history of popular culture in Korea with a deep sense of mission and consistent dedication to acting,” said a statement from his agency, which has been translated into English by Deadline. “His acting has always been towards people and life, and through his countless works, he has conveyed deep resonance and comfort across ages and generations.”

Ahn starred in well over 100 films during a 60-year career.

Born in Daegu, he started his career as a child actor aged just six in 1957’s Twilight Train. Over the following decades, he went on to star in big successes like Silmido, Radio Star, Mandala and A Fine, Windy Day. The latter won him the best new actor gong at the Grand Bell Awards in 1980, which is the Korean equivalent of the Oscars. His latest film was Birth in 2022.

Ahn won numerous awards throughout his career and was beloved in his home nation. He was dubbed “the nation’s actor” by the press, although he had previously said in interviews that he was not overly enthused by this nickname and preferred to simply be referred to as another film actor.

Tributes came in from the likes of Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who wrote on Facebook that Ahn has “left a big footprint on Korean film history and cultural arts.” “I already miss his warm smile and gentle voice,” he added.

The Artist Company said Ahn’s funeral will take place on Friday at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital Funeral Hall. Ahn is survived by his wife and two children.