Veteran actor Ahn Sung Ki, widely regarded as a foundational figure in Korea's modern film history, has passed away at the age of 74. Ahn died Monday morning at Soonchunhyang University Hospital in Seoul's Yongsan District, with family members at his bedside while he was receiving treatment in the intensive care unit.
According to hospital reports, the beloved screen icon had been hospitalized in an unconscious state since collapsing at his home on December 30 after choking on food. The incident occurred after he accidentally inhaled a piece of food, causing respiratory distress. Despite urgent medical intervention, he never regained consciousness.
Ahn Sung Ki's career spanned more than five decades and included over 130 films, ranging from intimate dramas to major historical epics. He became known for performances that combined emotional depth, quiet strength, and an everyman warmth that resonated across generations. Many critics credit Ahn with helping to shape the identity of post-war Korean cinema and opening the door for the global recognition Korean films enjoy today.
Beyond his artistic achievements, Ahn was also respected for his Christian faith as a devout Roman Catholic. He was active in the Catholic community in South Korea and participated in several church-related cultural projects, including the 2014 video "Koinonia," produced to commemorate Pope Francis's visit to Seoul. Friends have often described him as a man of humility, discipline, and compassion whose beliefs informed both his life and his work.
Ahn is survived by his wife and children, who have requested privacy as they grieve. Plans for a public memorial will be announced in the coming days.
Korean cinema - and audiences around the world - have lost one of their most cherished storytellers. Yet through the characters he brought to life, Ahn Sung Ki will continue to speak.
