Critic Lee Dongjin: "Actor Ahn Sung-ki Was a Great Star... The History of Korean Cinema Itself"

"A Person of Remarkable Character... May He Rest in Peace"
Remembering Him Through His Filmography

Actor Ahn Sung-ki. Photo by Yonhap News

Film critic Lee Dongjin paid tribute to the late actor Ahn Sung-ki, who passed away on January 5.

On January 5, Lee Dongjin wrote on his blog, "I heard sad news at the very beginning of the new year," opening his remarks. He continued, "He was a great star of the Korean film industry and, quite literally, the history of Korean cinema itself."

Lee Dongjin explained that actor Ahn Sung-ki was a figure who received love and respect from everyone for many years. He also recalled, "He was a person of remarkable character and virtue. How was he able to walk such a long path with unwavering integrity and a warm smile?"

Listing some of the works Ahn Sung-ki starred in, such as Two Cops, Silmido, Blue in You, and No Mercy for the Rude, Lee said, "Even when I try to mention just a small part of his monumental life, countless films come vividly to mind one after another. I am simply grateful, and thank you for all your hard work," adding, "Now, may you rest in peace in a place free from pain, together with all our love and memories."

Actor Ahn Sung-ki passed away at around 9 a.m. that day in the intensive care unit at Soonchunhyang University Hospital in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, with his family by his side. It had been six days since he was admitted to the intensive care unit in an unconscious state after collapsing at home on December 30 with food stuck in his throat.