[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] As the news of the "national actor" Ahn Sung-ki (70) battling blood cancer became known, messages of support wishing for his recovery have been pouring in. His health issue, given his exceptional passion for acting and widespread love, has become a matter of national interest.
According to his agency Artist Company on the 19th, Ahn Sung-ki has been undergoing treatment for blood cancer for over a year. The news of his illness was widely revealed during his attendance at the opening ceremony of director Bae Chang-ho's 40th anniversary special exhibition. On the 15th, Ahn attended the event held at CGV Apgujeong in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Supported by actress Kim Bo-yeon, he greeted the audience, but his appearance was quite different from the image fans remember from his films.
He wore a wig on a somewhat swollen face, and his eyebrows were missing. On stage, he spoke somewhat haltingly, saying, "Watching this movie again after 40 years is a very heart-fluttering experience." It is known that Ahn struggled to continue speaking that day, which has deepened the public's concern. He left the theater without watching the entire opening film of the special exhibition, "Kkobang-dong Neighborhood People" (1982).
Broadcaster Heo Ji-woong, who has experience battling blood cancer, posted on Instagram, "I believe he will come back smiling as if he was never sick," and urged, "Even though it’s unpleasant and difficult, I hope he eats well during chemotherapy." Actress Hwang Shin-hye also wished for his recovery with the message, "I pray that you definitely overcome this."
Rumors about Ahn Sung-ki's health issues surfaced in 2020. In October of that year, just before the release of his leading film "Paper Flower," he collapsed from overwork and was hospitalized, drawing attention to his health problems. However, he dispelled doubts by attending various film events such as the Busan International Film Festival. Last year, he also showed off his stamina by appearing at official events like the press conference for the film "In the Name of the Son."
His attendance at the opening ceremony of director Bae Chang-ho's special exhibition and the audience talk during his illness is known to be due to a special bond with director Bae. From Bae's debut film "Kkobang-dong Neighborhood People" to "Deep and Blue Night," "Whale Hunting," "Our Happy Young Days," and others, Ahn played the lead in 13 out of the 18 films directed by Bae, serving as Bae's "persona" and working closely together. The two are also close friends with just a one-year age difference.
A representative from Ahn Sung-ki's agency said, "Since he usually manages his health thoroughly, he is currently in a much improved state," adding, "He plans to focus on recovery and treatment so that he can greet everyone in a healthy condition."
Born in 1952, Ahn Sung-ki debuted as a child actor in 1957 with director Kim Ki-young's film "Twilight Train" and worked as a child actor for about ten years. After becoming an adult, he appeared in about 160 works, starting with "Soldiers and Ladies" (1977), including "A Good Day to Wind" (1980), "Deep and Blue Night" (1984), "Two Cops" (1993), "Silmido" (2003), "Radio Star" (2006), and "Broken Arrow" (2011), establishing himself as a national actor. Recently, he delivered a powerful performance as Gwangyang Magistrate Eo Yeong-dam, who assists Yi Sun-sin, in the film "Hansan: Rising Dragon."
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