Veteran Korean actor Ahn Sung Ki, widely revered as a “national actor,” has passed away at the age of 74. His agency, Artist Company, announced on the morning of January 5, 2026, that he died at approximately 9:00 a.m. KST, prompting an outpouring of grief across the Korean entertainment industry and among audiences.
According to the agency, Ahn Sung Ki was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2019 and underwent treatment, after which he was declared cured the following year. However, the cancer later recurred during routine follow-up examinations. He continued to focus on treatment until his passing.
In its official statement, Artist Company described Ahn Sung Ki as an actor who walked alongside the history of Korean popular culture with a profound sense of responsibility and unwavering sincerity. His performances consistently centered on people and life itself, offering deep resonance and comfort to audiences across generations through countless works. The agency emphasized that beyond his achievements as an actor, Ahn Sung Ki lived with dignity and responsibility as a human being, showing respect to senior and junior colleagues alike and to everyone on set—embodying the title of “national actor” in its truest sense.
Ahn Sung Ki began his career as a child actor in director Kim Ki Young’s 1957 film The Twilight Train, marking the start of an extraordinary journey in cinema. Over the decades, he appeared in more than 170 films, spanning a wide range of genres. His notable works include Mandala, Two Cops, Nowhere to Hide, The Divine Fury, and Hansan: Rising Dragon, among many others that helped shape modern Korean film history.
His passing signifies not only the loss of a legendary performer, but also the closing of a significant chapter in Korean cinema. Remembered for his artistry, integrity, and lifelong dedication to his craft, Ahn Sung Ki leaves behind a legacy that will continue to influence actors and audiences for generations to come.
