Ahn Sung Ki Dies in Seoul After Years Fighting Cancer
Summary: Renowned Korean cinema icon Ahn Sung Ki succumbs after a prolonged battle with lung cancer.
The renowned Korean cinema icon Ahn Sung Ki died at the age of 74, after a prolonged battle with lung cancer. His agency, Artist Company, has confirmed the news of his demise.
On 30 December 2025, Ahn Sung Ki collapsed after choking on his food and was immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment. He died at the Soonchunhyang University Hospital in the Yongsan district of Seoul on Monday, 05 January 2026.
He was known as “The Nation’s Actor” and has won many awards in his life, including the Grand Bell Award for Best Actor, five times – a feat unmatched by any other South Korean actor. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
The medical history
In 2019, Ahn Sung Ki was diagnosed with blood cancer. After being treated for the same, he was declared cancer-free in 2020. However, the disease relapsed after six months, and he has been battling it ever since.
Cancer relapse
Cancer relapse occurs if the cancer cells were not destroyed or removed in the initial treatment. Certain cells are hidden and do not show up in subsequent follow-ups, which later flare up, leading to a relapse.
Acute lymphocytic leukaemia has a 10 % to 20 % chance of relapse, mostly within a period of two years from the initial treatment.
50% of acute myeloid leukemia have a relapse, which may occur several months or years after initial treatment. Most of the relapses occur within a period of 2 to 3 years from the initial treatment.
According to Harvard Medicine, the patients who fear a relapse display physical symptoms, behavioural changes and emotional distress.
The treatment
The Cleveland Clinic treats the relapse based on the situation and medical condition of the patient. Treatment may involve :
- Repetition of the initial or first-line treatment
- Surgery for the removal of the tumours
- Different combination drugs or different chemotherapy drugs
- Different treatments, such as targeted treatment or immunotherapy.
The Mayo Clinic states that many relapses can be cured. In cases where a cure is not possible, they can shrink the cancer and slow down its growth. This slowdown can alleviate pain and other symptoms as displayed by the patient. It may prevent early death in some cases.
Conclusion
Nowadays, we hear about so many people battling cancer of various forms. Regular health check-ups can help in timely diagnosis and treatment. Proper care regarding medication, meals and lifestyle should be maintained. Trying to keep a positive mindset and willpower can also help. Of course, the tears and frustration will be there as well. Acceptance of the disease and giving it your best shot is what will matter the most.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 12 January 2026
- 19:00
