(2nd LD) Veteran actor Ahn Sung-ki admitted to ICU in critical condition

▲ Actor Ahn Sung-ki salutes the national flag at the April 19 Democratic Peace Prize ceremony in Seoul on April 19, 2023. (Yonhap)

   SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- Veteran actor Ahn Sung-ki is in critical condition and receiving treatment in an intensive care unit of a hospital, his agency said Wednesday.

   Ahn was moved to the emergency room as of around 4 p.m. Tuesday after collapsing while choking on food at his home. During a 2022 interview, he revealed that he had been battling with blood cancer since 2019.

   "Following a sudden deterioration in his health, the actor has been admitted to the hospital and is under the care of medical staff," Artist Company said, adding his exact condition and prognosis are being assessed by the medical team.

   "We hope the stability of the actor and his family will be the top priority at this time," it said. 

▲ Actor Ahn Sung-ki salutes the national flag at the April 19 Democratic Peace Prize ceremony in Seoul on April 19, 2023. (Yonhap)

   The 73-year-old has appeared in approximately 140 films during his career spanning over six decades.

   Ahn, often called the "Nation's Actor" for his contributions to the industry, debuted in 1957 in "The Twilight Train" as a child actor.

   He went on to build one of the most prolific careers in Korean cinema, earning widespread recognition through roles in films including "Silmido" (2003), "Hanbando" (2006), "Unbowed" (2011) and "Hansan: Rising Dragon" (2022).

   He was named Best Actor numerous times at local film awards, including the Baeksang Arts Awards and the Blue Dragon Film Awards.

   Beyond his acting career, he has served as a representative for UNICEF since the early 1990s.

▲ Actor Ahn Sung-ki (Yonhap)

(C) Yonhap News Agency. All Rights Reserved