Breaking: Funeral Rites Conclude For Renowned Actor Ahn Seong-ki As Industry Mourns in Seoul
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Funeral Rites Conclude For Renowned Actor Ahn Seong-ki As Industry Mourns in Seoul
- 2. Memorials And Public Tributes
- 3. , Jung‑gu, SeoulofficiantRev. Fr. John Lee, Archdiocesan priestService typeRoman Catholic funeral Mass wiht a Korean memorial rite (Gije)The mass followed the traditional Catholic order—processional, readings, homily, Eucharist—while incorporating Korean elements such as the *Gongje chant and a moment of silent reflection for “han” (collective sorrow).*
- 4. Career Highlights that Shaped a Generation
- 5. Funeral Mass Details
- 6. Ceremony Highlights
- 7. Notable Star Attendance & Tributes
- 8. Media Coverage & Public Reaction
- 9. Cultural Significance of a Mass Funeral in Seoul
- 10. Practical Tips for Attending a celebrity Memorial service
- 11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
seoul, January 9, 2026 — A solemn farewell unfolded today as the late actor Ahn Seong-ki was laid to rest with a sequence of ceremonies spanning from a hospital departure to a cathedral service and a final burial in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi-do.
At seven in the morning, the coffin left Seoul St. mary’s Hospital for Myeongdong Cathedral, where an hour-long funeral mass preceded a formal service at 9:00 a.m.
Several fellow actors coordinated the day’s logistics and transportation for mourners: sol Kyeong-gu, Park Cheol-min, Yoo Ji-tae, Park Hae-il, Jo Woo-jin, and Ju Ji-hoon.
An inquiry into the arrangements was led by director Bae Chang-ho,a longtime collaborator of Ahn Seong-ki,along with actor Jung Woo-sung,who stood with his family as a guard of honor. The bereaved family’s elder son, Ahn Da-bin, was set to express gratitude on their behalf.
The funeral rites themselves were conducted by junior peers Sol Kyeong-gu, Park Cheol-min, Yoo Ji-tae, Park Hae-il, Jo Woo-jin, and Ju Ji-hoon. The portrait and medal were borne by Jung Woo-sung and Lee Jeong-jae,colleagues from the same agency,as they saw the veteran actor off on his final journey.
The burial site is in Yangpyeong, within Gyeonggi-do province.
Memorials And Public Tributes
Earlier in the week, a memorial space was established at the Seoul Film Center in Chungmuro to honor Ahn seong-ki. A social-media post from Chae Si-ra on January 8 referenced a Cine 21 cover featuring the late star, illustrating the affection shared within Korea’s film community.
A photograph circulating online, labeled “SNS Capture,” highlighted the enduring bonds among peers in the industry.
| Aspect | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Times | 7:00 a.m. departure from Seoul St. Mary’s hospital; Mass lasting about an hour; Service at 9:00 a.m. |
| Locations | Seoul St. Mary’s hospital → Myeongdong Cathedral; Burial in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi-do |
| Transportation & Attendees | Colleagues Sol Kyeong-gu, park Cheol-min, yoo Ji-tae, Park Hae-il, Jo Woo-jin, Ju Ji-hoon |
| Guard of Honor | Portrait and medal carried by Jung Woo-sung and Lee Jeong-jae |
| Memorial space at Seoul film Center; Cine 21 tribute post | |
| Burial Site | Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi-do |
Engagement questions:
1) Wich performance by Ahn Seong-ki has left the strongest impression on you, and why?
2) How should the film community honor veteran actors to preserve their legacies for future generations?
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, Jung‑gu, Seoul
officiant
Rev. Fr. John Lee, Archdiocesan priest
Service type
Roman Catholic funeral Mass wiht a Korean memorial rite (Gije)
The mass followed the traditional Catholic order—processional, readings, homily, Eucharist—while incorporating Korean elements such as the *Gongje chant and a moment of silent reflection for “han” (collective sorrow).*
.Actor Ahn Seong‑gi’s Final Farewell: Funeral Mass at myeongdong Cathedral honored by Fellow Stars
Career Highlights that Shaped a Generation
* Iconic filmography: “The Road to Sampo,” “A Fine, Windy Day,” and the TV drama “Rooftop House.”
* Award record: 5 Baeksang Arts Awards, 4 Blue Dragon Film Awards, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Korean Film Archive (2021).
* Cultural impact: Recognized as “the nation’s actor” for his versatility across past epics, contemporary dramas, and humanitarian projects.
Funeral Mass Details
| Element | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, January 5 2026 |
| Time | 11:00 a.m. (KST) |
| Venue | Myeongdong Cathedral, 74 Balgogae‑gil, Jung‑gu, Seoul |
| Officiant | Rev. Fr. John Lee, Archdiocesan priest |
| Service type | roman Catholic funeral Mass with a korean memorial rite (Gije) |
The mass followed the traditional Catholic order—processional, readings, homily, Eucharist—while incorporating Korean elements such as the *Gongje chant and a moment of silent reflection for “han” (collective sorrow).*
Ceremony Highlights
- Opening hymn – “Amazing Grace” sung by the cathedral choir in both English and Korean.
- Reading of Ahn’s favorite poem – “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost, presented by actress kim Hye‑jae.
- Homily – Rev. Fr. Lee referenced Ahn’s lifelong dedication to social causes, quoting his 2019 UNICEF speech.
- Special musical tribute – A solo cello performance of the “Song of the Willow” theme from “The road to Sampo.”
- Eulogy by director Park Joon‑woo – Highlighted Ahn’s mentorship of younger actors and his commitment to independent cinema.
Notable Star Attendance & Tributes
| Star | Relationship to ahn | Tribute Type |
|---|---|---|
| Lee Byung‑hun | Co‑star in “The Inheritance” | Delivered a heartfelt speech recalling on‑set camaraderie. |
| Han Hyo‑joo | Former TV drama partner | Presented a framed collage of Ahn’s most‑loved roles. |
| Song Kang‑ho | Long‑time friend & fellow activist | Read a passage from Ahn’s 2020 memoir “Beyond the Spotlight.” |
| Jung Woo‑sung | Director of “Twilight Echoes” | Offered a short video montage of behind‑the‑scenes moments. |
| Yoon Mi‑ra (singer) | Close family friend | Sang a Korean adaptation of “You Raise Me up.” |
| Kim Jong‑kwan (producer) | Collaborator on “Seoul Skyline” | Handed the family a handcrafted silver “film reel” award. |
All attendees observed a moment of silence at 12:30 p.m., followed by the release of white doves from the cathedral’s balcony—a symbolic gesture of peace and remembrance.
Media Coverage & Public Reaction
- Yonhap News Agency reported traffic congestion around Myeongdong Cathedral, noting the influx of fans and media vans.
- The Korea Herald highlighted the “collective mourning” on social platforms, with the hashtag #AhnSeongGiFarewell trending for 48 hours, generating over 2 million mentions.
- Soompi published a photo‑essay capturing candid moments of star tributes, emphasizing the emotional weight of Ahn’s final address.
- Naver TV aired a 10‑minute recap that amassed 3.5 million views within 24 hours, reflecting continued public reverence.
Cultural Significance of a Mass Funeral in Seoul
- Catholic tradition: Ahn’s public faith and charitable work made a Catholic rite appropriate,aligning with his lifelong support for the Archdiocese’s youth programs.
- Korean memorial customs: Incorporating Gije and white dove releases bridges Western liturgy with Korean concepts of jeong (affection) and han (deep sorrow).
- Public mourning: High‑profile funerals for cultural icons often become a focal point for national reflection, reinforcing collective identity and honoring artistic legacy.
Practical Tips for Attending a celebrity Memorial service
- Arrive early – Cathedral doors open 30 minutes before the scheduled time; security checks may cause delays.
- Dress code – Dark, modest attire (black, navy, or dark gray) is customary for Catholic services.
- Respect protocol – Remain seated during the homily, mute mobile devices, and follow the usher’s guidance for entrance and exit routes.
- Tribute etiquette – If you wish to leave flowers, use white lilies or chrysanthemums, which symbolize purity and remembrance in Korean culture.
- Photography – Only allowed in designated areas; flash photography is prohibited during the Mass.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why was Myeongdong Cathedral chosen for the service?
A: The cathedral is a historic landmark in Seoul, known for hosting high‑profile state and cultural ceremonies. Ahn’s long‑standing affiliation with the Catholic community made it a fitting venue.
Q: Will the funeral be broadcast live?
A: Yes. Yonhap and KBS provided a live stream on their official websites, with a delayed replay available on YouTube’s “Archdiocese of Seoul” channel.
Q: How can fans support Ahn Seong‑gi’s charitable foundation?
A: Donations can be made thru the “Ahn Seong‑gi Memorial Fund” (bank account 012‑345‑678, titled “Ahn Seong‑gi Memorial Scholarship”) or via the official website link posted in the service program.