Farewell to Korean Cinema Legend Ahn Sung-ki: A Heartfelt Funeral Ceremony

The funeral ceremony for the late Ahn Sung-ki was held with deep respect.

On the morning of the 9th, a funeral mass for the esteemed actor took place at the Familia Chapel Hall in Myeongdong Cathedral, Seoul. Earlier that morning, a procession departed from the Seoul St. Mary's Hospital funeral hall.

Jung Woo-sung carried the portrait of the deceased, while Lee Jung-jae held the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit awarded posthumously by the government. Both actors, who co-founded Artist Company with Ahn Sung-ki, greeted mourners alongside the bereaved family and honored the late actor's final journey. The pallbearers included Seol Kyung-gu, Park Chul-min, Yoo Ji-tae, Park Hae-il, Jo Woo-jin, and Joo Ji-hoon.

Director Bae Chang-ho, who served as a co-chair of the funeral committee, delivered a heartfelt eulogy. He reminisced, “I remember the deep impression I had when I first met him in the 1980s, having seen him on screen during my childhood.”

He continued, “From his breakout role in 'A Fine, Windy Day' to his subsequent acclaimed performances, I vividly recall discussing future projects over beers. Despite receiving a famous coffee commercial offer, he worried it might interfere with his film work. Although it gave him a gentle image, he always prioritized cinema.”

Bae added, “He carried the weight of his career with quiet determination. It feels like just yesterday, yet time has flown by. We laughed and cried through his work, and he will live on in his films.”

Concluding his tribute, Director Bae expressed, “May he now rest peacefully in heaven.”

Ahn Sung-ki, who had been battling blood cancer, tragically passed away on December 30th last year after collapsing at home due to food obstruction, leading to cardiac arrest. Despite intensive care in the hospital, he did not recover.

Reporter: Ryu Ye-ji, TenAsia ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr