Actor Park Joong-hoon expressed a heavy heart as he saw off the late Ahn Sung-ki.
On the 9th, Park Joong-hoon posted several photos with memories of the late Ahn Sung-ki on his social media. The released photos ranged from their young days holding trophies side by side at awards ceremonies to moments of them spending time smiling brightly in everyday life, suggesting a long bond between the two.
Then Park Joong-hoon mourned, "Such a humble person who lived! Such a beloved actor! Senior Ahn Sung-ki has passed away," and added, "The piercing sadness and longing do not seem like they will stop. I pray with both hands that senior will be at peace in heaven."
In particular, Park Joong-hoon appended an excerpt from his essay "Don't regret" and reflected on his special relationship with the deceased. He used the analogy, "If senior was a slow and safe truck, I seem like a sports car that can speed," and wrote, "Even if it was frustrating, because I did not pass senior and followed behind, I came this far without a major accident." He also expressed his respect by describing the late Ahn Sung-ki as "a star, a respected teacher and a friend."
At the end of the piece he also recalled visiting the late Ahn Sung-ki, who had recently been in poor health. Park Joong-hoon said, "My life was truly good because senior was there," and recalled that the late man answered with a silent smile. The added confession, "It was hard to hold back and endure because it felt like tears would burst out," moved those who read it.
Earlier, Park Joong-hoon appeared on Channel A's Close Friend Tokumentary–four-person dining table and revealed a special affection for his longtime film colleague Ahn Sung-ki. Park Joong-hoon said, "Senior Ahn Sung-ki is incomparable to me. He is a companion and a fatherlike figure," and added, "If I were a balloon, senior would be the one who tied a stone to that balloon. Without that stone, it would have flown away and burst," which resonated deeply.
Meanwhile, Ahn Sung-ki, known as a "national actor," choked on food at his home late last year, was taken to the hospital and ultimately did not recover, passing away on Jan. 5, 2026. On the 9th, he was sent off through a funeral mass and departure procedures.<
[Photo] Park Joong-hoon SNS
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