Ahn Sung-ki, the world remembers him as a "defining actor of an era"
News of the death of 'national actor' Ahn Sung-ki has drawn deep condolences from overseas media as well as beyond the entertainment industry and politics.
On the 6th, the deceased's eldest son, western-style painter and installation artist Ahn Da-bin shared a single link on his SNS without any comment. The link was an obituary for Ahn Sung-ki published by The New York Times. The New York Times ran the headline "Ahn Sung-ki, a towering figure in Korean film, dies at 74" and introduced the deceased as "an actor who for more than 60 years won the public's affection with a gentle, approachable image." The article also quoted a condolence message from President Lee Jae-myung, saying "Ahn Sung-ki left a large footprint on the history of Korean film."
Ahn Sung-ki, who had been battling blood cancer, collapsed at home on Dec. 30 last year with food lodged in his throat and was transported to hospital after receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation. He had been treated in intensive care but closed his eyes at 9 a.m. on the 5th while his family watched. He was 74.
When the news of his death was reported, not only the entertainment industry but society as a whole fell into mourning for the loss of "the history of Chungmuro" and "an elder of the era." In particular, President Lee Jae-myung's official condolence message reexamined the meaning of the life and acting Ahn Sung-ki left behind. The president said, "I offer my deep condolences on the death of a teacher who left a great trail in Korea's film history and the broader culture and arts," and noted, "He will be remembered forever as an actor who sincerely portrayed the joys, sorrows, anger and pleasures of humanity that cut across eras."
He added, "During his 69 years as an actor he appeared in more than 170 works, and we will long remember that passionate dedication," and offered his condolences, saying, "I pay deep respect to a life that showed humility over glamour and dignity over competition."
Following the president's tribute and with the New York Times honoring him as well, Ahn Sung-ki is no longer just an actor of one country. It is a reminder that he was an "actor of the era." His warm smile and soft voice will now cross borders and live on in screens and memories for a long time.
Meanwhile, his son Ahn Da-bin said, "Seoul has prepared a memorial space at the Seoul Cinema Center in Chungmuro for ordinary citizens," and added, "Anyone can pay their respects freely until the 8th. We are grateful for the continuous outpouring of condolences."
[Photo] 'SNS, SBS'
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