At the heartbreaking news of the death of the late Ahn Sung-ki, colleagues and juniors from the entertainment industry visited the condolence hall to pay their respects.
On the 5th, the late Ahn Sung-ki's condolence hall was set up in room 31 of the Seoul St. Mary's Hospital funeral home.
The deceased passed away at 9 a.m. that day at the age of 74. The late Ahn Sung-ki, who had originally been diagnosed with blood cancer in 2019 and was declared cured, saw the cancer recur after six months and continued to battle the illness. Then, on the 30th of last month, he was found at his home with food lodged in his throat in cardiac arrest and was transported to the emergency room; he received treatment in the intensive care unit in an unconscious state. Many people prayed for his recovery, but he ultimately passed away.
When news of the late Ahn Sung-ki's death was reported, not only the entertainment industry but also the public mourned deeply and expressed their condolences. With visitation beginning at 1 p.m., people continued to come to the condolence hall to pay their respects.
Actor and chairman of the Shin Young-kyun Arts and Culture Foundation Park Sang-won, who worked with Ahn Sung-ki as chairman, was the first to rush to the condolence hall. He choked up and said, "The people of the Republic of Korea and film people around the world loved actor Ahn Sung-ki, and he has gone to rest. It's very sad, but in any case he will be at peace and acting comfortably in heaven. I will say that he parted from us well," adding, "The acting part is something everyone already knows well. But before being an actor, as a person he was wonderful and a senior we respected for our entire lives."
The deceased's longtime close friend, singer Cho Yong-pil, said, "I visited when he was hospitalized before. I thought he was fine because he was discharged well, but suddenly this happened again and it's so tragic. There must have been so many things he still wanted to do, but he couldn't overcome it," unable to hide his regret.
He recalled childhood memories with the deceased, saying, "As a friend he was a very good friend since we were young. He had a good personality. He was in the same class, sat next to me. Our homes were close, so we used to walk together. (Seeing the portrait) it brings back old memories. When we were kids, after school we always went home together," and added, "I hope he is comfortable up there. Don't be too full of regret. He has family. I hope he can continue his remaining acting even after he goes up." He also said, "Go well, rest comfortably up there," and addressed the deceased, "Sung-ki, let's meet again," which moved people.
Meanwhile, actor Park Joong-hoon, who appeared with the late Ahn Sung-ki in films such as 'Two Cops', 'No Mercy for the Rude' and 'Radio Star', appeared at the condolence hall with director Im Kwon-taek. He expressed his respect for the deceased, saying, "He was a senior I sincerely respected. Beyond being an actor, I respected him as a person, and I am very sad that such a senior has passed away. It was a great fortune to be able to make films with him for 40 years."
Becoming emotional, he said, "I don't know how to express this sad feeling," and added, "I will never forget the influence the senior had on the film industry and the love he gave to juniors. He always had a kind presence. I hope he will remain in the memories of audiences and everyone for a long time."
In addition, Shin Hyun-joon, Lee Jung-jae, Jung Woosung, Kim Dong-hyun, Lee Duk-hwa, director Lee Joon-ik and others visited the condolence hall in person, and producer Lee Soo-man, Lee Byung-hun, Jeon Do-yeon, Kim Sang-kyung and Lim Ha Ryong sent wreaths to mourn the deceased.
Meanwhile, the late Ahn Sung-ki's funeral will be held as a 'film industry funeral' for five days. Actors who had long respected the deceased, including Lee Byung-hun, Lee Jung-jae, Jung Woosung and Park Chul-min, will carry the casket to see him off on his final path. The funeral procession will be held at 6 a.m. on the 9th, and the burial site is Yangpyeong Byeolgeurida. In addition, a public memorial space will be set up inside the Seoul Film Center through the 8th.
[Photo] photo joint coverage team
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