The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) mourned the late actor Ahn Sung-ki, who served as a goodwill ambassador for more than 40 years.
The UNICEF Korea Committee said on the 5th, "Goodwill Ambassador Ahn Sung-ki, who stood by children with unwavering affection for more than 40 years, has now left us," adding, "He was the 'people's actor' with a benevolent smile and a steadfast 'pillar of hope' for children around the world."
The UNICEF Korea Committee said, "Goodwill Ambassador Ahn Sung-ki devoted his life to protecting children as much as to his life as an actor," adding, "By his very presence, he set an example for our society."
It added, "We are deeply grateful to Goodwill Ambassador Ahn Sung-ki for being with us with boundless love for children around the world, and we pray for the repose of the deceased," adding, "It was an honor to be together."
According to UNICEF, Ahn Sung-ki had taken part in various UNICEF events as a volunteer since the 1980s. In Dec. 1992, he was appointed special representative of the UNICEF Korea office, and starting in May the following year, he served as a goodwill ambassador for the UNICEF Korea Committee.
As a goodwill ambassador, Ahn Sung-ki visited UNICEF sites around the world, including Ethiopia, Uganda, Malawi, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, and Myanmar. He also took part in fundraising for charity and promotional activities for UNICEF.
While serving as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, Ahn Sung-ki said, "Every time I face children, I learn how much greater the joy of giving is than receiving." Even after being diagnosed with blood cancer in 2019, he joined the UNICEF 75th anniversary campaign and climate crisis response campaigns.
Ahn Sung-ki died the same day at age 74. On the 30th of last month, he lost consciousness after food became lodged in his airway and was taken to a hospital, but ultimately did not recover. A memorial altar for the deceased will be set up at the funeral hall of Seoul St. Mary's Hospital.