Ahn Sung-ki’s Farewell Ceremony: '6 Top Stars' Serve as Pallbearers, Jung Woo-sung’s Words Move Everyone to Tears

South Korea’s 74-year-old 'National Best Actor' Ahn Sung-ki’s farewell ceremony was held early morning on the 9th at Seoul’s Myeongdong Cathedral. Jung Woo-sung solemnly carried the portrait of the deceased, while Lee Jung-jae carried the 'Order of Cultural Merit (Gold Crown)', both appearing with grief. Jung Woo-sung, who was responsible for reading the eulogy, choked up at one point, and finally, while holding back his emotions, he praised Ahn Sung-ki as 'a man of steel'!

Ahn Sung-ki debuted in films at the age of 5 and was regarded as a national treasure and 'national best actor' in the Korean film industry. He sadly passed away on the 5th, deeply saddening the film world. In addition to organizing a high-profile 'film industry funeral' for him, his management company, Artist Company, had their founders Jung Woo-sung and Lee Jung-jae step forward at the farewell ceremony on the 9th at Myeongdong Cathedral. Other notable actors and acting powerhouses such as Sol Kyung-gu, Park Chul-min, Yoo Ji-tae, Park Hae-il, Jo Woo-jin, and Joo Ji-hoon also served as pallbearers. In addition, Hyun Bin, Byun Yo-han, Jung Joon-ho, Oh Ji-ho, and Bada, among other artists, were present at the site to bid final farewell to their cinematic senior.

Jung Woo-sung was also responsible for reading the eulogy. Having kept vigil since Monday, he spoke slowly and heavily, 'I can no longer remember exactly when it was, but when I first greeted my senior, he gently called out, “Woo-sung ah”. When we filmed "The Warrior" in 2000, we spent five months together. Even on difficult shooting days, he always embraced everyone with kindness. That warmth was never too much, nor ever lacking.'

Jung Woo-sung went on to add: 'Senior’s humble attitude of not wishing to burden others, along with his restraint and self-discipline of never putting himself first, had long become a part of him.' He continued, 'That strictness with himself, even just watching from the side, one could feel the heaviness—at times, it even seemed immensely lonely. Yet the senior always remained steady and unwavering; beneath his gentleness lay strength. To me, he was a man of steel.' Jung Woo-sung movingly concluded: 'If anyone were to ask the senior ‘How are you?’, I can almost see him answering calmly, “I’m doing well”. Dearly respected senior, may you rest in peace.' After the ceremony, Ahn Sung-ki was moved to Seoul Memorial Park for cremation, and will finally rest at 'Star’s Other Shore' in Yangpyeong.

Source: Mirror Media