Remembering Ahn Sung-ki: 5 movies that defined the acclaimed South Korean actor’s career

One of the most respected actors in South Korea, Ahn Sung-ki, passed away just four days after celebrating his 74th birthday. He was often labeled as "The Nation's Actor" by the people. A statement issued by his agency, the Artist Company, following this tragic passing reads,

"We feel deep sorrow at the sudden, sad news, pray for the eternal rest of the deceased and offer our heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family members."

His career spanned over six decades, starting as a child actor. As a child, he appeared in the critically acclaimed 1960 film The Housemaid and several others. All in all, he appeared in 130 films, and we will present five of our picks here that defined the actor's career.

The actor was diagnosed with blood cancer quite some time ago, and he is survived by his wife and two sons.

5 of the best Ahn Sung-ki films

5. Hansan: Rising Dragon (2022)

This was one of the most recent films the South Korean actor appeared in. The film is the second installment in the Yi Sun-sin trilogy, followed by Noryang: Deadly Sea (2023). The story follows the titular Joseon admiral, played by Park Hae-il. Ahn Sung-ki plays a naval commander named Eo Yeong-dam, whose task is to oversee southern waterways. While it received mixed reviews from critics, audiences embraced it, with the Popcornmeter giving it an 87% score. Additionally, it was the second-highest-grossing film of the year in the country.

4. The Divine Fury (2019)

The Divine Fury came a few years before Hansan: Rising Dragon. It is an action-horror film in which Ahn Sung-ki plays Father Ahn, who serves as a mentor to the film's lead, Yoon-hoo, played by Park Seo-joon. Together, they fight an evil force that has brought chaos to Korea.

3. Drunk on Women and Poetry (2002)

This film tells the story of an artist named Jang Seung-eop (Choi Min-sik), who is said to have changed the direction of Korean art. Ahn Sung-ki appears in a supporting role as Kim Byeong-mun. The Im Kwon-taek film was originally titled Chi-hwa-seon and shared the Best Director award with Punch-Drunk Love, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.

2. Mandala (1981)

Ahn Sung-ki appeared in another Im Kwon-taek film earlier in his career. Released in 1981, many critics consider it a breakthrough film for the director in the industry. The film focuses on Buddhist monks in Korea and also stars Jeon Moo-song and Kim Jong-su.

1. A Fine, Windy Day (1980)

Many consider this to be the finest film of the late actor's career. He plays a Chinese restaurant worker named Duk-bae. For his role in the film, he received the Grand Bell Award for Best New Actor, helping establish him as a central figure in Korean cinema.

We will end the list here and would like to know if you want to add something to it. Feel free to do so in the comments.