Global Economic Times

The Actor Who Loved the Role More Than Himself: Remembering Ahn Sung-ki, the ‘Eternal Big Brother’ of Korean Cinema: Global Economic Times Reporter / Updated : 2026-01-11 09:03:51

SEOUL — There are stars who shine brightly for a moment, and then there are those who provide the very light by which an entire industry navigates. For 40 years, Ahn Sung-ki was that light. To the public, he was the "National Actor." To me, he was a brother, a mentor, and a spiritual godfather.

Following his passing on January 5th, and as he makes his final journey to the heavens today, I find myself reflecting on four decades of memories that define not just a legendary career, but a legendary soul.

A Persistence for the ‘Godfather’
Our story began in 1985. I was a rookie film reporter; he was already a rising star. My first major assignment was a daunting one: secure a "newlywed diary" from Ahn’s wife, Oh So-young. In an era before cell phones, I spent weeks commuting to his home in Suyu-ri, waiting outside his gate without even a phone number to call.

When we finally met, his kindness was immediate. He didn't just agree; he personally delivered his wife’s handwritten notes on manuscript paper. That was Ahn’s hallmark—a quiet, unassuming sincerity that made a young reporter feel seen.

The Generosity of Time
Ahn’s consideration for others often bordered on the extraordinary. In 1996, during the 50th anniversary of The Kyunghyang Shinmun, I was under immense pressure to recruit the era's top stars for the celebration. While others declined due to busy schedules, Ahn faced a conflict with a major commercial shoot for Samsung Anycall.

When I told him, perhaps too honestly, that my reputation as a reporter was on the line, he asked for ten minutes. He called the advertising agency himself, rearranged the entire shoot, and showed up at the event. One film industry insider later put it best: "His body found the time because his heart had already moved."

No Such Thing as a Small Role
Ahn Sung-ki’s greatness lay in his ego—or rather, the lack of one. In Im Kwon-taek’s Chihwaseon (2002), he took a supporting role rather than the lead, accepting a modest salary simply because he believed in the project.

I remember a rainy day on the set of The Romantic President (2002). Filming was canceled, and Ahn ordered coffee for the crew. When the delivery person failed to recognize the most famous actor in Korea, the crew asked Ahn if he felt slighted.

He simply smiled and said, "It just means I’ve played my character well. In this room, I’m not the 'Actor Ahn Sung-ki' they see on screen. Isn't that what acting is about?"

A Graceful Exit
Beyond the screen, Ahn was a man of deep faith. When I asked him to be my godfather for my Catholic baptism in 2012, he initially declined because he hadn't yet received his own Confirmation. He eventually completed his rites just so he could fulfill his promise to me, later gifting me a crucifix featuring a flying dove.

As the industry mourns, I am reminded of the words of fellow actor Park Joong-hoon, who once asked in his memoirs: "Is there truly a person in this world who is humble to the very depths of their soul?" For those of us who knew Ahn Sung-ki, the answer was always a resounding yes.

He lived like a tree and left like a leaf—falling with the same grace and elegance with which he lived. May he find eternal peace and happiness in the heavens.