A Life Reflected in Documentaries, Performances Remembered Through Masterpieces... A Wave of "Ahn Sung-ki Memorial" Sweeps the Broadcasting Industry

Emergency Documentary Replaces Regular SBS Programming
MBC and KBS Begin Production
OCN and Others Air Signature Works in Succession

Yonhap News Agency

The broadcasting industry is joining in to fill the void left by "national actor" Ahn Sungki. Major broadcasters are honoring his memory by preempting prime-time regular programming to air special tribute documentaries or broadcasting his representative works in succession.

Terrestrial broadcasters are focusing on documentaries that delve deeply into the late actor's life and philosophy. SBS has responded most quickly. On January 9 at 8:50 p.m., SBS will preempt its flagship current affairs program "Curious Story Y" to air a tribute documentary for Ahn Sungki (title to be announced).

MBC and KBS are also joining the tribute. MBC is producing a documentary on the late actor's life, directed by producers So Hyungjun and Park Sohee, aiming to broadcast it on January 11. KBS will sequentially highlight the trajectory of the national actor's life behind the scenes through various programs: "Movies Are Good" on January 10, "Life Is a Movie" on January 17, and "The Secret of Celebrity Soldiers" on January 20.

While terrestrial broadcasters reflect on "Ahn Sungki the person," movie channels are honoring "Ahn Sungki the actor" by showcasing works infused with his passion for acting. OCN-affiliated channels began their tribute programming on January 6. OCN Movie 2 aired "Unbowed," which sparked significant social response; OCN broadcast "Radio Star," which highlighted the late actor's humanity; and OCN Movie will air "Silmido" tonight, the first Korean film to surpass 10 million viewers.

The tribute fervor will continue through the weekend. On January 11, starting at 10:30 a.m., OCN will air three consecutive films from the latter part of the late actor's filmography: "Cassiopeia," "Radio Star," and "Noryang: Deadly Sea." The tvN Drama channel will also broadcast the three-part drama "Young Kim Dae-geon" consecutively from 8:00 a.m. on January 10. This drama is a re-edited version of the 2022 film "Birth," offering another opportunity to reflect on the late actor's devout faith.