South Korean ‘nation’s actor’ Ahn Sung-ki dies at 74
Ahn collected over 40 major movie awards in his lifetime, including winning the Grand Bell Awards for best actor five times
The death of Ahn, who had been fighting blood cancer for years, was announced by his agency, the Artist Company, and the Seoul-based Soonchunhyang University Hospital.
“We feel deep sorrow at the sudden, sad news, pray for the eternal rest of the deceased and offer our heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family members,” the Artist Company said in a statement.
President Lee Jae Myung issued a condolence message saying Ahn provided many people with comfort, joy and time for reflection. “I already miss his warm smile and gentle voice,” Lee wrote on social media.
Ahn had been in intensive care since he collapsed at his home after choking on food last Tuesday.
After being diagnosed with cancer in 2019, he underwent treatment and was told the disease was in remission in 2020. However, it reportedly returned.