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Family and friends bid their final farewell to late actor Ahn Sung-ki

Published: 09 Jan. 2026, 09:31 Updated: 09 Jan. 2026, 12:33

YOON SO-YEON
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Actors Jung Woo-sung, carrying Ahn's portrait at right, and Lee Jung-jae, holding the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit, the country's highest cultural honor that was posthumously awarded to the actor, lead the funeral procession of late actor Ahn Sung-ki at the Myeongdong Cathedral in central Seoul on Jan. 9. [YONHAP]

Members of the film community and fans paid their final tribute to late actor Ahn Sung-ki at Myeongdong Cathedral in central Seoul on Friday. A memorial Mass and a funeral service were held to honor his lifelong devotion to cinema and warm-hearted spirit.

Leading the funeral procession were actors Jung Woo-sung, carrying Ahn's portrait, and Lee Jung-jae, holding the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit, the country's highest cultural honor that was posthumously awarded to the actor on Monday. Fellow actors Sul Kyung-gu, Park Chul-min, Yoo Ji-tae, Jo Woo-jin and Ju Ji-hoon served as pallbearers.

Archbishop Chung Soon-taick of Seoul presided over the 8 a.m. Mass for Ahn, a devoted Christian. A funeral service followed at 9 a.m., with eulogies.

The actor passed away on Monday at a Seoul hospital at the age of 74. He had been treated in an intensive care unit after collapsing at home from choking.

Ahn stood as a pillar of Korean cinema for decades, delivering versatile performances in more than 140 films since his debut in 1957 as a child actor. The film star was cherished not only by audiences but also by renowned directors for his exceptional performances and ability to embody a wide range of characters.

Beyond acting, the late actor dedicated his life to the development of Korean filmmaking, serving as a core member of the country's prominent film festivals, including the Busan International Film Festival and the DMZ International Documentary Film Festival.

BY YOON SO-YEON, YONHAP [[email protected]]