"Senior, please rest comfortably"... 'Eternal Actor' Ahn Sung-ki, peacefully passes away amid tears from juniors

The late actor Ahn Sung-ki, a living witness of Korean film history and an 'eternal active' figure, has bid farewell to the world. He was 74 years old.

On the morning of the 9th, the funeral of the late Ahn Sung-ki was solemnly held at Myeongdong Cathedral in Jung-gu, Seoul. The funeral was conducted as a film industry funeral to honor the deceased's achievements, with numerous fellow filmmakers and juniors gathering to bid farewell to the giant's last journey.

◆ Jung Woo-sung and Lee Jung-jae lead the final journey

At the forefront of the funeral procession were the late actor's close associates, juniors from his agency, Jung Woo-sung and Lee Jung-jae. With a solemn expression, Jung Woo-sung held the portrait of the deceased close to his heart, while Lee Jung-jae followed behind holding the Gold Crown Cultural Medal awarded posthumously by the government. The role of carrying the coffin was taken on by junior actors leading the Korean film industry, including Seol Kyung-gu, Park Cheol-min, Yoo Ji-tae, Park Hae-il, Jo Woo-jin, and Ju Ji-hoon, who safeguarded the final moments of the deceased.

◆ "Woo-sung... the voice calling me is still vivid"

In his eulogy, Jung Woo-sung was overcome with grief and struggled to speak for a while. He recalled, "When I first greeted him, he called my name 'Yes, Woo-sung' with a warm smile as if I were a long-time junior." He continued, "He was infinitely strict with himself, sometimes appearing lonely, but always showed consideration and humility towards others," and added, "To me, he was always like a stoic philosopher," bringing tears to the attendees.

◆ A star fades after battling blood cancer

The late actor had been battling blood cancer since being diagnosed in 2019. Although he was declared cancer-free at one point, he relapsed and fought against the illness until he finally closed his eyes on January 5th. Having debuted as a child actor in 1957, the late Ahn Sung-ki lived as the embodiment of Korean cinema for over 60 years. After the funeral, he entered eternal rest at the 'Star Garden' in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province.