'National actor' Ahn Sung-ki, who had been battling a recurrence of blood cancer, was transported to the hospital in cardiac arrest and is currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit.

According to OSEN on the 31st, Ahn Sung-ki's agency, Artist Company, stated that day, "(Ahn Sung-ki) was transported to the hospital due to a sudden deterioration in health and is receiving treatment under the care of medical staff."

Ahn Sung-ki is known to have collapsed at around 4 PM on the 30th while eating at home, after food went down his windpipe. He received cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in a state of cardiac arrest, was then transported to the emergency room of a hospital near his home, and is reportedly currently hospitalized in the intensive care unit.

The agency stated, "We are currently checking his exact condition and future prognosis based on the medical team's judgment. Please prioritize the stability of the actor and his family. Any further confirmed information will be announced through official channels."

Ahn Sung-ki debuted in 1957 with director Kim Ki-young's film 'Twilight Train,' appearing in approximately 200 works over 60 years and establishing himself as a representative actor of Korea.

He was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2019 and resumed activities the following year after being declared fully recovered. However, it is known that the blood cancer recurred during a recent follow-up observation, and he has continued his battle with the disease.

Ahn Sung-ki has continued his acting career even while battling the disease. In 2019, he appeared in the films 'The Divine Fury' and 'Gwanghwamun,' followed by 'Paper Flower,' 'In the Name of the Son,' 'Cassiopeia,' 'Hansan: Rising Dragon,' 'Birth,' and 'Noryang: Deadly Sea,' among others.

Reporter Lee Jae-yoon mton@mt.co.kr