Ahn Sung-ki Dies at 74, Asian Film Awards Scaled Down, Weekend Box Office Reports
Leading Korean star Ahn Sung-ki dies, BTS plans comeback, minimalist film awards ceremony, Hong Kong box office retreat.
Ahn Sung-ki, Leading Korean Actor, Dead at 74
Ahn Sung-ki, one of South Korea’s leading actors, died on Monday (5 Jan 2026) in hospital in Seoul. He was 74.
Ahn had been in intensive care for several days after collapsing last week at home while choking on food. But it is known that he had been receiving treatment for a form of blood cancer since 2019.
His acting career began as a child performer in “The Twilight Train” in 1957 and after a period in the 1970s largely unemployed, he returned to the industry and was a star through much of the modern era. His credits in leading or significant roles included 2003’s “Silmido”, 2006’s “Hanbando”, 2011’s “Unbowed” and 2022’s “Hansan: Rising Dragon”.
Ahn earned multiple prizes, including five Grand Bell Awards, was a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and was frequently feted at the Busan International Film Festival. With a gentle and approachable persona, the was sometimes nicknamed “The Nation’s Actor”.
‘Zootopia 2’ Eases Aside ‘Avatar 3 at China Box Office
China’s love affair with “Zootopia 2” propelled the Hollywood animation film back tot the top of the box office in the first weekend of the new year. In the process it eased aside the much-hyped “Avatar 3”, which released more recently in mid-December.
In its sixth weekend on release in China, “Zootopia 2” earned $17.1 million, ahead of “Avatar 3’s” $15.8 million.
Three new-release films had differing fortunes. Chinese-made “The Fire Raven” earned $11.7 million in third place, while “Back to the Past” earned $11.1 million in fourth place. Hollywood kids’ animation title “The Spongebob Movie” opened in fifth place with $2.1 million.
The weekend box office total was $63.8 million. And, after a buoyant New Year’s Day session, the 5-day year-to-date cumulative stands at $111 million, which Artisan Gateway calculates is 33% ahead of this time last year.
Since releasing on 26 Nov. 2025, “Zootopia 2” now has an astonishing $598 million cumulative. Since releasing on 19 Dec. “Avatar 3” has a cumulative of $136 million. Maoyan forecasts that it will reach RMB1.16 billion (which with a strengthening Chinese currency is now worth $166 million. The same ticketing agency now predicts that “Zootopia 2” will reach RMB4.33 billion or $619 million.
South Korea Audiences Stick With ‘Avatar 3’
South Korean box office remained at levels that in recent years would be considered as robust – over $11 million for the Friday to Sunday weekend – as “Avatar: Fire and Ash” topped the chart for a third consecutive weekend.
It earned $5.25 million and commanded a 47% market share, according to data from KOBIS, the tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council. That gives it a $44.3 million running total earned from 5.56 million spectators since opening locally on 17 Dec. 2025.
Korean-produced romance film “Once We Were Us” opened on Wednesday. It earned $1.80 million through the weekend and amassed a five-day haul worth $3.26 million.
“Zootopia 2” slipped to third place with $1.65 million for a running total of $53.7 million since releasing on 26 Nov. 2025 in Korea.
Other new releases struggled. “Choir of God”, a drama about music and building a fake church in North Korea, earned $730,000 over its opening five days. “The Spongebob Movie” opened in seventh place with $375,000 over four days. “Tom and Jerry: The Forbidden Compass” earned $162,000, having also opened on Thursday 1 Jan 2026.
A re-release of Wong Kar-wai’s “In the Mood for Love” netted $181,000 over five days.
Asian Film Awards Dramatically Scaled Back
The Asian Film Awards that are usually held in March of each year, will this time be shorn of any competitive section. This is a response to the serious fire that killed more than 160 people in Hong Kong late last year. Instead of operating competitive sections and awarding artistic and technical prizes at a ceremony, the AFAs will only present special awards this time.
“Following the significant incident in Hong Kong last year and its impact on the community, the sentiments of which being shared by various sectors and international filmmakers, the [Asian Film Awards Academy] has decided to adjust the format of this year’s events. Referencing the HKSAR Government’s decision to postpone several official celebrations and its recommendation for a solemn and low-profile approach to public activities, the academy will suspend the red carpet and competitive award categories for this edition. Instead, special awards will be presented in a dignified and minimalist manner to recognise the outstanding contributions of film professionals”, said organisers. “We have chosen to honour filmmakers in a restrained manner as a mark of respect to all sectors of the community.”
BTS Plans Album and Tour as 2026 Comeback
K-pop giants BTS say that they will release a new album featuring all seven members on 20 March, their first full-group comeback in nearly four years.
The group had been on hiatus while members completed South Korea’s mandatory military service.
The band’s agency BigHit Music said that BTS will also embark on a world tour following the album release. But details were minimal.
Hong Kong Box Office Setback
Overall cinema box office in Hong Kong for 2025 finished the year with HK$1.13 billion ($145 million), according to data from Hong Kong Box Office Ltd. That was a 15% year on year decline.
The top-grossing film of 2025 was the Japanese anime “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Infinity Castle,” with a box office revenue of HK$97.6 million ($12.5 million).
Animation film “Another World” was the year’s top locally-produced film. It was released on 29 October and had amassed HK$15.1 million ($1.93 million) by the year end. It remains in local cinemas and is expected to see its total go higher.
