Seoul: Ahn Sung-ki, a beloved figure in Korean cinema known for his extensive career and impactful roles, died Monday at the age of 74. He had been receiving intensive care at a Seoul hospital after an incident at his home.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Ahn collapsed after choking on food, leading to his hospitalization. He passed away surrounded by family at around 9 a.m. Ahn's illustrious career spanned over six decades and included appearances in approximately 140 films. Affectionately called the "Nation's Actor," he was a prominent figure in Korean dramas, action movies, and thrillers.

Ahn began his acting journey as a child in 1957 with "The Twilight Train" and rose to prominence in the 1980s with films like "Whale Hunting" and "Our Sweet Days of Youth." His career continued with roles in major films such as "Silmido," the first Korean film to exceed 10 million admissions, and more recently, "Hansan: Rising Dragon."

His final film appearance was in "Noryang: Deadly Sea" in 2023, where he made a special appearance. Throughout his career, Ahn received numerous accolades, including multiple Best Actor awards at prestigious local ceremonies.

In addition to his acting career, Ahn was known for his humanitarian efforts. He served as a special representative and goodwill ambassador for UNICEF Korea from the early 1990s. Despite a public battle with blood cancer since 2019, Ahn remained optimistic about his recovery and future projects.

Ahn is survived by his wife and two sons. A funeral, expected to be attended by prominent figures from the film industry, will be held on Friday. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism honored him posthumously with the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit for his contributions to Korean cinema.