Veteran actor Ahn Sung-ki has been battling blood cancer for more than a year.
He revealed his illness at a special screening of his 1985 hit film "Deep Blue Night" in Seoul last Saturday, where he appeared in a wig and with a bloated face.
The event was held to celebrate the 40th anniversary of master director Bae Chang-ho's debut.
"Ahn has been treated for blood cancer since being diagnosed with the disease about a year ago and is recovering," his management agency Artist Company said. "He promised that he will focus on treatment and recovery so that he can return to the big screen in good health in the near future."
The agency had denied rumors about his health since Ahn was hospitalized for 10 days in 2020.
In a phone interview with Chosun Ilbo last Friday, Ahn said he has been undergoing chemotherapy and is able to go out to meet people because his condition improved a little. "I had to wear a wig as I lost all of my hair" due to chemo, he added.
Ahn debuted at the age of five in 1957. He has appeared in around 160 movies including "Two Cops" (1993), "Silmido" (2003) and "Radio Star" (2006). Most recently he appeared in the period spectacular "Hansan: Rising Dragon" released in July.
Social media and fan sites were inundated with messages wishing him a speedy recovery.
