Veteran South Korean actor Ahn Sung-ki, a towering figure in the nation’s film industry whose career spanned nearly seven decades, has died. He was 74.
Local media reported that Ahn died Monday, surrounded by family. He had been battling blood cancer and was receiving treatment in intensive care after choking on food last week, according to Yonhap News Agency.
Ahn began acting at age 5 in 1957 and went on to appear in more than 170 films, earning a reputation for both his range and a scandal-free life.
His body of work mirrored the evolution of South Korean cinema, from modest postwar productions to global recognition, culminating years later in international acclaim for films such as “Parasite.”
Among his most influential roles was the 2003 blockbuster “Silmido,” which became the first Korean film to surpass 10 million admissions. Based on a true story, it marked a turning point for the local box office and cemented Ahn’s status as a leading man of substance.
Widely respected by peers and audiences alike, Ahn is survived by his wife and two sons.
