South Korean Actor Ahn Sung-ki Passes Away at 74; Son Expresses Gratitude to Mourners

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of South Korean actor Ahn Sung-ki, as his eldest son, painter and installation artist Ahn Da-bin, expressed gratitude to those paying their respects.

On October 5, Ahn Da-bin took to social media to share a heartfelt message, "Thank you sincerely for your warm condolences," accompanied by a photo of chrysanthemums. The brief message and the image of white chrysanthemums convey both the sorrow of losing his father and appreciation for the support received.

Ahn Sung-ki passed away on October 5 at the age of 74. He collapsed at home on December 30 last year while eating, with food obstructing his airway. Despite receiving CPR and being rushed to a nearby hospital's emergency room, he remained in the ICU and never regained consciousness.

Prior to his passing, Ahn had been battling blood cancer. Diagnosed in 2019, he initially achieved remission in 2020, but the illness returned six months later during follow-up checks.

In recognition of his contributions to the growth and development of Korean cinema over six decades, the government posthumously awarded Ahn the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit. This is his third cultural merit award, following the Bogwan Order (3rd class) in 2005 and the Eungwan Order (2nd class) in 2013.

His funeral will be held as a film industry ceremony, organized by the Shin Young-kyun Arts and Culture Foundation and the Korean Film Actors Association. Honorary funeral committee members include Shin Young-kyun, director Bae Chang-ho, Lee Gap-seong, Shin Eon-sik, and Yang Yoon-ho. Notable figures such as Lee Jung-jae and Jung Woo-sung will serve as pallbearers. The wake is being held at Room 31 of the Seoul St. Mary's Hospital Funeral Hall, with the funeral service scheduled for 6 a.m. on October 9. He will be laid to rest at Byeolgeurida in Yangpyeong.

Reported by Kim Ji-won, TenAsia bella@tenasia.co.kr