Actor Jung Eun-pyo Pays Tribute to Late Ahn Sung-ki

Actor Jung Eun-pyo has paid tribute to the late Ahn Sung-ki.

On the 5th, Jung Eun-pyo took to his Instagram to share, "I first met the senior actor at the first filming location of the 1999 movie 'Kilimanjaro' in Jumunjin."

Jung described the late actor as "the greatest actor I admired in my heart." He reminisced, "I still vividly remember the clear smile he had when I nervously arrived at the Jumunjin accommodation to greet him, thrilled to be acting alongside him."

Jung continued, "Throughout the filming, he maintained a warm and relaxed presence on set, like a friendly neighbor. Yet, his intense gaze when acting in front of the camera is unforgettable."

Jung expressed his gratitude, saying, "Although it was just one of the many works he starred in, it was an honor to work with him. I am incredibly thankful and will never forget him."

Ahn Sung-ki passed away at the age of 74 after battling blood cancer. His agency, Artist Company, stated, "He was a 'national actor' who valued dignity and responsibility as a person beyond being an actor, and respected fellow artists and the field. We feel deep sorrow at the sudden news and wish him peace."

The late actor's funeral will be held as a film industry funeral, organized by the Shin Young-kyun Arts and Culture Foundation and the Korean Film Actors Association. Shin Young-kyun will serve as the honorary funeral chairman, with Director Bae Chang-ho, Korean Film Actors Association Chairman Lee Gap-sung, Shin Young-kyun Arts and Culture Foundation Acting Director Shin Eon-sik, and Korean Film Council Director Yang Yoon-ho as co-funeral chairmen. Actors Lee Jung-jae, Jung Woo-sung, and other film industry figures will participate in the procession to accompany the late actor on his final journey.

The memorial is set up at Room 31 of the Seoul St. Mary's Hospital Funeral Hall, with the funeral service scheduled for 6 a.m. on the 9th. The burial site will be at Byeolgrida in Yangpyeong.

By Da-yeon Jeong, Ten Asia Reporter light@tenasia.co.kr