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In this archived image, South Korean actor Ahn Sung-ki is pictured attending the 11th Pusan International Film Festival in Busan, South Korea, on October 13, 2006. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File)
SEOUL – Renowned South Korean actor Ahn Sung-ki, affectionately known as “The Nation’s Actor” for his extensive 60-year film career and his kind-hearted public persona, passed away on Monday at the age of 74.
The announcement of Ahn’s passing due to a prolonged battle with blood cancer was made by the Soonchunhyang University Hospital, located in Seoul.
Throughout his illustrious career, Ahn secured over 20 major movie awards in South Korea. Notably, he won the esteemed Grand Bell Awards for best actor five times, a record yet unmatched by any of his peers in the South Korean film industry.
Ahn built up an image as a humble, trustworthy and family-oriented celebrity who avoided major scandals and maintained a quiet, stable personal life. Past public surveys chose Ahn as South Korea’s most beloved actor and deserving of the nickname “The Nation’s Actor” the most.
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