Korean Cinema Legends Lee Soon-jae and Ahn Sung-gi Face Health Challenges
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A wave of concern is sweeping through the Korean film industry and among devoted fans as news emerges of declining health for two of its most celebrated figures: veteran actors Lee Soon-jae and Ahn Sung-gi. The reports, surfacing in recent weeks, have prompted an outpouring of support and well wishes for the iconic performers.
Lee Soon-jae’s Condition Raises Concerns
The latest updates regarding Lee Soon-jae, who is approaching his 90th birthday, were first noted at the ‘2025 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards’ ceremony on October 23rd.Actor Jeong Dong-hwan, while accepting the Archival Culture Medal, publicly acknowledged Lee’s absence due to illness, stating, “There is someone who encouraged me every time I performed a seven-and-a-half-hour play, but he couldn’t come today due to poor health. It’s teacher Lee Sun-jae.” This acknowledgment promptly cast a somber tone over the event and sparked widespread concern.
Lee Soon-jae garnered important attention last year as the oldest recipient of a grand prize at the ‘KBS drama Awards.’ Though, he has as paused all theatrical and dramatic engagements, reportedly focusing on rehabilitation for mobility issues. A close associate revealed that he has been limiting his public appearances due to weakened leg muscles, and recent reports suggest a potential worsening of his condition.
Ahn Sung-gi Continues Battle with Illness
News of Ahn Sung-gi’s health status emerged approximately a week after the initial reports about Lee Soon-jae. During an episode of Channel A’s ‘Best Friends Tocumentary – Table for Four’ broadcast on November 3rd, actor Park Joong-hoon shared his heartfelt sentiments, saying, “My life has been so good as of senior Ahn Seong-gi.” He then recounted a recent interaction,adding,”You haven’t been feeling well lately,but you smiled weakly and said,’Thank you.’ I will never forget that smile.”
Ahn Sung-gi was initially diagnosed with blood cancer in 2019 and achieved remission in 2020. Unfortunately, the cancer recurred, leading to a prolonged and courageous fight against the disease. While he had previously indicated improvements following chemotherapy and even appeared at several film festivals last year – including the grand Bell Awards Film Festival,the Wildflower Film Awards,and the April 19 Democratic Peace Award ceremony – he is now prioritizing treatment. He had expressed a desire to return to work, but is currently focused on his health.
A Legacy of Korean Cinema
Lee Soon-jae and Ahn Sung-gi represent a golden era of Korean cinema, having collectively contributed decades of work that has profoundly shaped the nation’s cultural landscape. Online, fans have expressed their profound respect and support, with many describing the actors as “living history” and “pillars of Korean art,” and offering wishes for a swift recovery so they can once again grace the stage and screen.
