Actor Park Joong-hoon Shares Heartfelt Update on Ahn Sung-ki's Battle with Blood Cancer

Actor Park Joong-hoon recently shared an emotional update on fellow actor Ahn Sung-ki, who is currently battling blood cancer.

On the October 3rd episode of Channel A's 'Best Friends Talkumentary – Table for 4,' Park Joong-hoon was featured alongside his close friends, former basketball player Hur Jae and actor Kim Min-joon, as they visited nostalgic locations.

During the episode, Park expressed his deep affection for his senior, Ahn Sung-ki. The two have co-starred in four films together, including 'Chilsu and Mansu,' 'Two Cops,' 'Nowhere to Hide,' and 'Radio Star.'

Park described Ahn as an irreplaceable partner and a father-like figure, saying, "If I am a balloon, he is the one who tied a string to it, preventing it from flying away and bursting."

Ahn Sung-ki was first diagnosed with blood cancer in 2019 and was declared cancer-free a year later. However, after his roles in the 2022 films 'Hansan: Rising Dragon' and 'Birth,' he is reportedly battling a recurrence of the disease.

Park shared a recent encounter with Ahn, saying, "I told him, 'My life has been better because of you,' and he gave a faint, gentle smile. It broke my heart, and I struggled to hold back tears."

Reflecting on their 30-year friendship, Park revealed, "Ahn once told me that he was particularly fond of me because of my father. My father would secretly attend events and ask Ahn to look after me."

Park also shared his admiration for his father, saying, "I respected my father greatly. The only act of rebellion was my decision to become an actor. Though he initially wanted me to follow in his footsteps as a public servant, he eventually became my greatest supporter."

He recounted a touching moment when his father apologized for opposing his acting career, saying, "He told me, 'I didn't know you'd be this good. Take all my luck with you.' A few months later, he passed away suddenly from a heart attack. Shortly after, I received a call from Hollywood, and I felt my father was helping me. I requested to use his name, 'Ilsang,' for my character, and for six months, I heard his name every day on set."

Reported by Kim Eun-jung, TenAsia