South Korea has just lost one of its most revered cultural icons. Ahn Sung-ki, the legendary performer widely known as “The Nation’s Actor,” passed away today, January 5, 2026, at the age of 74. His agency, Artist Company, confirmed that he died peacefully at 9 a.m. surrounded by his family at the Soonchunhyang University Hospital in Seoul.
The news follows a tense week for his admirers. According to reports from Yonhap News, Ahn had been receiving intensive care since late December 2025, after he reportedly suffered a medical emergency – a choking incident and subsequent cardiac arrest at his home. While the immediate cause of his decline was recent, the actor had been courageously battling blood cancer (multiple myeloma) since 2019, an illness he publicly disclosed in 2022.
A seven-decade legacy of excellence
Ahn Sung-ki’s career was inextricably linked to the evolution of Korean cinema. He debuted as a child actor in 1957 in The Twilight Train and went on to appear in over 160 films. Unlike many child stars who fade away, Ahn transitioned into a leading man who defined the industry’s “Golden Age” in the 1980s and 90s. His range was awe-inspiring – moving seamlessly from the gritty realism of Good Windy Day (1980) to the blockbuster intensity of Silmido (2003), which became the first Korean film to surpass 10 million admissions.
His professional discipline was legendary. Despite his diagnosis, he continued to work, appearing in the 2022 historical epic Hansan: Rising Dragon. His agency noted in their tribute:
“Ahn Sung-ki was a figure who walked alongside the history of South Korea’s popular culture with a deep sense of duty toward acting and unwavering diligence. His performances always focused on people and life, delivering profound resonance and comfort across generations and eras through countless works.”
Farewell to the ‘Nation’s Actor’
In honor of his monumental contributions, according to the Korea Film Actors Association, Ahn’s funeral will be conducted as a prestigious “film industry funeral” Chosun Ilbo reported. The ceremony is being co-organized by the Shin Young-kyun Arts and Culture Foundation to ensure he receives a farewell befitting his status. As per the official schedule, his wake is currently being held in Room 31 of the Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital Funeral Hall.
The final funeral procession is slated for 6 a.m. on January 9, 2026. Notable colleagues, including Lee Jung-jae and Jung Woo-sung, are expected to serve as pallbearers, escorting their mentor on his final journey. According to Chosun Ilbo, Ahn will be laid to rest at the Byeolgeurida Memorial Park in Yangpyeong as per his family’s wishes .
Beyond his five Grand Bell Awards and international accolades, it was Ahn’s character that earned him the title of “The Nation’s Actor.” He was revered for a scandal-free life and his extensive humanitarian work, notably serving as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for over 25 years.
As the industry says goodbye, his words from a past interview remain his best epitaph: “Film is my everything.” Today, the film world is significantly emptier without him. He is survived by his wife, sculptor Oh So-young, and their two sons.