Veteran actor Ahn Sung Ki passes away, his agency confirms
- Veteran South Korean actor Ahn Sung Ki has passed away at the age of 74, his agency Artist Company said in a statement on January 5
- He died at around 9 a.m. KST after continuing treatment for blood cancer
- Ahn began his career as a child actor in 1957 and went on to appear in more than 170 films
- He was widely regarded as a “national actor” and a pillar of Korean cinema
PAY ATTENTION: stay informed and follow us on Google News!
Veteran South Korean actor Ahn Sung Ki has passed away at the age of 74, leaving the Korean entertainment industry in mourning.
Source: Instagram
Last January 5, Sung Ki’s agency, Artist Company, announced that the actor died at around 9 a.m. KST. He had been diagnosed with blood cancer in 2019 and underwent extensive treatment, after which he was declared cured the following year. However, the cancer later recurred during follow-up monitoring, and Sung Ki continued focusing on treatment until recently.
In its official statement, Artist Company first confirmed the tragic news and the time of his passing:
"This is Artist Company, the agency representing actor Ahn Sung Ki.
Like and share our Facebook posts to support the KAMI team! Share your thoughts in the comments. We love reading them!
Actor Ahn Sung Ki passed away at 9:00 a.m. on January 5, 2026 at the age of 74."
The agency then reflected on Sung Ki’s lifelong dedication to acting and his role in shaping Korean popular culture:
"With a profound sense of duty to his craft and unwavering sincerity, Ahn Sung Ki walked alongside the history of Korean popular culture."
Artist Company highlighted how his performances resonated deeply with audiences across different generations:
"His performances were always directed toward people and life itself, and through countless projects, he offered deep resonance and comfort across eras and generations."
Beyond his work on screen, the statement emphasized Sung Ki’s character and the respect he showed to everyone he worked with:
"Above all, before he was an actor, he cherished dignity and responsibility as a human being, consistently showing respect for senior and junior artists alike and for everyone on set. He was a “national actor” in the truest sense."
The agency concluded by expressing its grief and offering condolences to his family:
"Artist Company is deeply saddened by this sudden news. We pray for the repose of the deceased and extend our heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family."
Sung Ki began his acting career as a child in director Kim Ki Young’s 1957 film “The Twilight Train.” Over the decades, he appeared in more than 170 films and became one of the most prolific and respected actors in Korea. His notable works include “Mandala,” “Two Cops,” “Nowhere to Hide,” “The Divine Fury,” and “Hansan: Rising Dragon.”
Ahn Sung Ki is not the only celebrated personality to have recently passed, with other notable deaths also reported.
Yoon Seok Hwa, a trailblazer of modern Korean theater, passed away on December 19, 2025, at the age of 69 after battling a brain tumor. Her health struggles began in 2022 when she collapsed during a UK business trip following a performance in Hamlet, later managing her condition through natural therapies. She earned widespread acclaim for her work in theater and musicals and became more widely known to TV audiences through the SBS drama The Penthouse, leaving an enduring legacy in Korea’s entertainment industry.
Renowned South Korean actor Lee Soon Jae has died at 91, according to his agency. With a career of over seven decades in film, TV, and theater, he was affectionately called the “national TV dad.” Leaders and celebrities, including President Lee Jae Myung, paid tribute to his unwavering dedication, professionalism, and lasting impact on audiences of all ages.
Bagong feature: Tingnan ang mga balitang para sa'yo ➡️ hanapin ang "Recommended for you" block at mag-enjoy!
Source: KAMI.com.gh
