Renowned Korean actor Ahn Sung-ki has passed away at the age of 74 after a battle with blood cancer.
Artist Company, Ahn's agency, announced on January 5, 2026, "Actor Ahn Sung-ki passed away at 9 AM, aged 74."
The agency added, "Ahn Sung-ki was more than just an actor; he was a person who valued dignity and responsibility above all, respecting fellow artists and the industry. He was truly a 'national actor.' We are deeply saddened by this sudden news and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family."
The funeral will be held as a film industry ceremony, organized by the Shin Young-kyun Arts and Culture Foundation and the Korean Actors Association. Shin Young-kyun will serve as the honorary funeral chairman, with director Bae Chang-ho, Korean Actors Association Chairman Lee Gap-sung, Shin Young-kyun Arts and Culture Foundation's acting director Shin Eon-sik, and Korean Film Association Chairman Yang Yoon-ho as co-funeral chairmen.
Actors Lee Jung-jae and Jung Woo-sung, among others, will participate in the procession to pay their final respects. The wake is set up at Room 31 of the Seoul St. Mary's Hospital Funeral Hall, with the funeral service scheduled for January 9 at 6 AM. The burial will take place at Byeolgeurida in Yangpyeong.
Artist Company concluded, "We kindly ask for restraint from excessive reporting or speculative news regarding unconfirmed matters, respecting the wishes of the deceased and the bereaved family. Ahn Sung-ki's works and spirit will remain with us, living on in the memories of many."