Funeral Ceremony at Myeongdong Cathedral at 8 a.m.
Jung Woosung and Lee Jungjae Accompany Him on His Final Journey
A Legacy of 170 Films and Eternal Rest
Remembered Beyond Acting as "The Elder of an Era"
After 69 long years of making us laugh and cry on screen, the beloved "national actor" Ahn Sungki will be laid to rest on January 9. He was 74 years old.
The late actor's funeral procession will be held at 7 a.m. that day at the funeral hall of Seoul St. Mary's Hospital. The procession will then head to Myeongdong Cathedral in Jung-gu, Seoul, a place that reflected his deep faith during his lifetime.
He will not take his final journey alone. Junior actors from Chungmuro, who regarded him as a father, an elder brother, and a mentor, will stand by his side. Jung Woosung and Lee Jungjae, his agency colleagues and cherished juniors, will lead the way, carrying his portrait and the Order of Cultural Merit (Gold Crown) awarded posthumously by the government. Seol Kyunggu, Park Chulmin, Yoo Jitae, Park Haeil, Jo Woojin, and Ju Jihoon-actors who are leading figures in the Korean film industry-will serve as pallbearers, bearing the weight of his final journey.
At 8 a.m., a memorial Mass will be held, officiated by Archbishop Jeong Suntaek of the Archdiocese of Seoul. During the subsequent funeral ceremony, director Bae Changho and Jung Woosung, who created many masterpieces with the late actor, will deliver eulogies as their final farewell. The burial site has been confirmed as "Byeolgeurida" in Yangpyeong. Having lived his whole life as a "star," he will now rest as a true star among the heavens.
His life was a reflection of modern Korean film history itself. His journey began in 1957 when, at the age of five, he boarded director Kim Kiyoung's "Twilight Train." From child actor, to adult performer, to national actor, he was always the face of his era throughout his 69-year acting career. Through works such as "A Fine, Windy Day" (1980) and "Whale Hunting" (1984), he captured the wanderings of youth. With more than 170 films, including "Two Cops" (1993), "Silmido" (2003), and "Radio Star" (2006), he vividly portrayed the joys and sorrows of everyday people.
He was not just an actor with great talent. While dozens of trophies from the Grand Bell Awards and Blue Dragon Film Awards were tributes to his acting skills, the title "national actor" bestowed by the public was a mark of respect for his character. He used his fame not for personal gain, but generously for his colleagues and society. He stood at the forefront of the fight to protect the screen quota system and advocated for the rights of filmmakers. As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, his acts of sharing and giving proved why he was called "the elder of the era."
Even after being diagnosed with blood cancer in 2019, he never lost hope. After being declared in remission once, he was determined to stand in front of the camera again. However, the relentless illness returned, and after an unexpected accident on December 30, he lost consciousness and never woke up. Over the past five days, a steady stream of mourners-including lifelong friends such as Cho Yongpil, Park Joonghoon, director Im Kwon-taek, and figures from the political and business worlds-visited his memorial. Ordinary citizens also paid their respects in sorrow. Now, "actor Ahn Sungki" takes his final bow. Yet, the many "faces" he left behind will live on forever in film and in the hearts of audiences.
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