An Jin-su, beloved character actor of 1990s Korean TV, dies at 81

An Jin-su, a character actor who enlivened Korean television screens throughout the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, died Monday at 81.

According to his family, An had undergone surgery for pancreatic cancer two years ago. The cancer returned earlier this year, and his condition deteriorated while he was receiving treatment.

Born in 1945, An was a consistent presence on Korean television, appearing in the MBC drama series "Eyes of Dawn" (1991–1992), the SBS drama series "Sandglass" (1995) and "Yeoin Cheonha" (2001–2002), a historical drama series.

He also appeared in more than 300 films, including director Bae Chang-ho's "Gippeun Uri Jeolmeun Nal" (1987), director Kang Woo-suk's "Happiness Does Not Come Free" (1989), "Two Cops" (1993) and "Killing the Wife" (1994), director Im Kwon-taek's "Taebaek Mountains" (1994) and director Moon Jong-geum's "Ssaulaabi" (2001).

Director Moon paid tribute to An, saying: "It is heartbreaking and leaves a void to know we will no longer see him in new works, but the films, performances and beautiful memories he left behind will live on with us for a long time."

A memorial altar has been set up at funeral hall No. 3 of Seoul Central Veterans Hospital. The funeral procession is scheduled to depart Thursday at 6:30 a.m.