Tributes Pour in for Late Actor Ahn Sung-ki as Memorial Space Opens for Public

In the wake of the passing of beloved actor Ahn Sung-ki, tributes continue to pour in. His eldest son, painter and installation artist Ahn Da-bin, expressed gratitude while providing information about a memorial space open to the public.

On October 6, Ahn Da-bin took to social media to announce, "The Seoul Film Center in Chungmuro has set up a memorial space for the public. Anyone can pay their respects from today until the 8th." He added, "Thank you for your condolences, both yesterday and today."

Ahn Da-bin also shared a photo of his father, Ahn Sung-ki, whose gentle and warm smile evokes a deep sense of loss.

The memorial space for those wishing to pay tribute to Ahn Sung-ki is located at the Chungmuro Film Center. It will be open from October 6 to 8, from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Ahn Sung-ki passed away on October 5 at 9 AM 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 was admitted to the ICU but ultimately passed away.

The late actor had been battling blood cancer until his death. Diagnosed in 2019, he was declared cancer-free in 2020 after treatment, but the disease recurred six months later during follow-up.

In recognition of his contributions to the growth and development of Korean cinema over 60 years, the government posthumously awarded him the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit. This is the third honor following the Bogwan Order of Cultural Merit (3rd class) in 2005 and the Eungwan Order of Cultural Merit (2nd class) in 2013.

His funeral will be held as a film industry funeral, organized by the Shin Young-kyun Arts and Culture Foundation and the Korean Actors Association. Honorary funeral committee chairs include Shin Young-kyun, director Bae Chang-ho, Korean Actors Association Chairman Lee Gap-sung, Shin Young-kyun Arts and Culture Foundation Acting Director Shin Eon-sik, and Korean Film Council Chairman Yang Yoon-ho. Additionally, actors 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 AM on October 9. The burial site is Byeolgeurida in Yangpyeong.

Reporter: Kim Ji-won, TenAsia bella@tenasia.co.kr