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| ▲ A memorial altar for late film star Ahn Sung-ki is seen at Saint Mary's Hospital in Seoul on Jan. 5, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, Jan. 9 (Yonhap) -- Members of the film community and fans paid tribute to late actor Ahn Sung-ki at Myeongdong Cathedral in downtown Seoul on Friday, where a memorial Mass and a funeral service was held held to honor his lifelong devotion to cinema and warm-hearted spirit.
Leading the funeral procession will be 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 will serve as pallbearers.
Archbishop Chung Soon-taick of Seoul will preside over the 8 a.m. Mass for Ahn, a devoted Catholic. A funeral service will follow at 9 a.m., with eulogies to be delivered.
The actor passed away 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.
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