Veteran South Korean Actor Ahn Sung-Ki Passed Away At 74 Days After Choking On Food At Home
Acclaimed South Korean actor Ahn Sung-ki passed away on January 5 at the age of 74, following a week-long battle for survival in a Seoul hospital’s intensive care unit. The veteran performer had collapsed at his residence on December 30, 2025, after reportedly choking on food.
He leaves behind his wife, Oh So-yeong, and two sons.
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic news. We pray for the eternal rest of the departed and extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family,” Artist Company, his management agency, stated Monday.
The Tragic incident
Reports indicate the actor choked on food at home, triggering sudden cardiac arrest. Emergency responders were immediately summoned, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed before he was transported to a nearby medical facility.
Health struggles
In 2019, Ahn publicly disclosed his diagnosis of blood cancer and ongoing treatment regimen. While he subsequently made sporadic public appearances, he maintained privacy regarding his health status and recovery journey.
Legendary career
Considered a cornerstone of South Korean cinema, Ahn’s professional career extended across more than six decades. His filmography encompasses over 130 productions, with certain sources suggesting his body of work approaches 200 titles. He commanded admiration for his range and emotional depth as an actor, cementing his legacy through contributions to Korean narrative cinema across multiple generations.
Though generations of audiences recognized his presence throughout the decades, contemporary viewers also became familiar with Ahn through his performance in the 2019 film The Divine Fury, which exposed him to a fresh audience demographic.