Actor Ahn Sung-ki / Korea Times file |
Veteran actor Ahn Sung-ki, 68, denied rumors that he is seriously ill, saying he is fine and media claims concerning his health are exaggerated.
He said he is now resting at home and is in good condition. Rumors about his health started to circulate after he disappeared from the public eye for several days. He was hospitalized for 10 days due to fatigue, according to media reports.
In an interview with media outlet Starnews, Tuesday, Ahn confirmed that the cause of his hospitalization was fatigue.
"I was released two days ago and am in good condition…. But my doctor told me to get some rest and I plan to follow that advice," he said.
The actor said he has been observing the media hype about his health.
"I read online news articles which were exaggerated … Throughout the summer, I worked far too hard while shooting the upcoming film Hansan: The Rise of The Dragon. Plus, our home underwent renovations recently to which I paid a lot of attention. Also, I exercised too hard for an hour or so on the day I was hospitalized. All these factors worked together to make me drained."
Ahn and his office did not immediately respond to request for comment.
Before his clarification, questions about his health were being asked as the actor had not been seen in public, despite his packed schedule. He didn't show up for this year's Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) which kicked off on Wednesday. His participation at BIFF was highly anticipated because of his new movie "Paper Flower" which he was to promote there. The actor has been absent from the promotion of the film while his co-stars and the director actively participated in various promotional events. Ahn won the best actor award for his role in the film at the 53rd Houston International Film Festival.
He is planning to cancel all his scheduled appearances including the BIFF and the Asiana International Short Film Festival (AISFF). Ahn serves as the vice chief of the BIFF's executive committee and chief of the AISFF's executive committee.
Debuting as an actor in 1957 at age five, Ahn has had a prolific career. He has starred in more than 130 films of various genres, from comedy to drama, and many of them were box office hits.
During his heyday in the 1980s and 1990s, he was called "The Actor of the Country," respected for his professionalism and diligence.
Many actors and internet users expressed their hope that Ahn makes a fast recovery and returns to the public eye as soon as possible.
"I heard that he overworked while shooting the new film … But I received a message from Ahn that says he is okay now. I don't know how bad his condition is but hope he will get well as soon as possible," actress and singer Eugene, who also appears in the film "Paper Flower," said during an interview with reporters.
His fans also sent their best wishes for the actor. "I have been a fan of Ahn since I was a kid. I hope he will get better soon," an internet user said on Twitter.