UNICEF mourned the late Ahn Sung-ki, who served for a long time as a goodwill ambassador.
UNICEF Korea on the 5th expressed its condolences on its official social media, saying, "Ambassador Ahn Sung-ki, we will not forget the times you spent with UNICEF. Thank you. We offer our deepest condolences."
UNICEF said, "'Every time I meet a child I learn how much greater the joy of giving is than receiving.' He was a 'national actor' with a kind smile to us and a 'pillar of hope' for children around the world. Ambassador Ahn Sung-ki, who stood by children with unwavering affection for more than 40 years, has now left us," it said.
It added, "Ambassador Ahn Sung-ki devoted his life to protecting children as much as he did to his life as an actor, and his very presence served as an example to our society," and "We deeply thank Ambassador Ahn Sung-ki for joining UNICEF Korea with boundless love for children around the world and offer our deepest condolences," it said in tribute.
Finally, it added, "It was an honor to be with the ambassador. Thank you sincerely. Rest in peace."
According to The Korea Film Actors Association, Ahn Sung-ki died on the morning of the day at around 9 a.m. while receiving treatment in the intensive care unit at Soonchunhyang University Hospital in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, with his family at his side.
After news emerged in 2019 that he was battling blood cancer, he could not let go of his passion for acting, but after collapsing when food got caught in his throat while eating on the 30th of last month and being transported to the hospital in cardiac arrest, he ultimately did not recover.
The funeral will be held as a funeral for people in the film industry, and the wake was set up at the funeral hall of Seoul St. Mary's Hospital. The funeral procession will be held at 6 a.m. on the 9th.
[Photo] UNICEF SNS
[OSEN]