Ahn Sung-ki Funeral 2026: South Korea Bids Farewell to the Eternal 'Nation's Actor'

A titan of Korean cinema has taken his final bow. On January 9, 2026, members of the film community and grieving fans gathered at Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul to honor the late Ahn Sung-ki. The funeral Mass and memorial service celebrated a lifelong devotion to film that spanned nearly 70 years, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's cultural identity.

Ahn Sung-ki Funeral 2026: Jung Woo-sung and Lee Jung-jae Lead the Tribute

Leading the funeral procession were global stars Jung Woo-sung, who carried the actor's portrait, and Lee Jung-jae, who held the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit—the country's highest cultural honor awarded posthumously this week. According to Yonhap, prominent actors including Sul Kyung-gu, Yoo Ji-tae, and Park Hae-il served as pallbearers. Archbishop Chung Soon-taick presided over the Mass, emphasizing Ahn's warm-hearted spirit and his unwavering dignity as both a Catholic and a public figure.

In a tearful eulogy, Jung Woo-sung recounted memories from the 2001 film 'The Warriors.' He described Ahn as a man of immeasurable kindness who, despite his legendary status, treated every staff member by name with a smile. "To me, he was a living saint," Jung said, choking back tears as he described the immense responsibility Ahn felt as a leader of the industry.

Legacy of 140 Films: A Pillar of Chungmuro

The actor passed away on Monday at the age of 74 after collapsing from choking. Since his debut as a child actor in 1957, Ahn appeared in over 140 films, becoming a fundamental pillar of South Korean cinema. Beyond his on-screen work, he was instrumental in developing the Busan International Film Festival and other key cultural institutions, ensuring the industry's growth for future generations.