Actor Park Joong-hoon expressed deep sorrow as he left a memorial message for the late Ahn Sung-ki.
On the 9th, Park Joong-hoon announced the sad news by sharing photos with the late Ahn Sung-ki on his social media. The released photos, ranging from the two holding trophies side by side at an awards ceremony to scenes of them sharing smiles in daily life, recalled their long-standing bond.
Park Joong-hoon said, "A person who lived so humbly, the much-loved actor Ahn Sung-ki senior has passed away," and added, "The piercing sorrow and longing do not seem like they will stop." He added, "I pray with my hands together that he may rest peacefully in heaven."
He also quoted part of his essay 'Don't regret' to reflect on his relationship with the deceased. Park Joong-hoon wrote, "If the senior was a slow and safe truck, I felt like a sports car that could speed along," and "No matter how frustrating it was, not overtaking the senior and following behind was the best choice I made in my life." He went on to describe Ahn Sung-ki as "a star, a respected teacher, a friend-like presence," expressing deep respect.
At the end of the piece he also recalled visiting the late actor, who had been in poor health recently. Park Joong-hoon said, "Because the senior was there, my life was truly good," and recalled that the late actor responded with a silent smile. He added that at the time it was hard because he had to hold back tears that felt like they would burst out.
After Park Joong-hoon's memorial message was released, internet users also expressed their condolences. Internet users reacted, "I still can't believe it. I can't stop the tears," "It feels like an era of Korean cinema has ended," "The relationship between the two actors comes through in the writing, making it even more heartbreaking," and "He was an actor whose name alone, Ahn Sung-ki, brought comfort."
Meanwhile, Ahn Sung-ki, known as a "national actor," was transported to a hospital late last year after food became lodged in his throat at home; he never recovered and died on Jan. 5, 2026. On the 9th, he was laid to rest following a funeral mass and send-off procedures.<
[Photo] Park Joong-hoon SNS
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