Ahn Dabin, the eldest son of the late screen icon Ahn Sung-ki, shared a message of gratitude to the public on behalf of the family.
On Jan. 5, Ahn posted a photo of white chrysanthemums on his Instagram Story with a short note: “Thank you sincerely for your warm comfort.” Even while arranging his father’s funeral, he paused to acknowledge the outpouring of heartfelt condolences from across the nation ― a brief message that carried deep emotion.
Ahn, a painter and installation artist based in the United States, returned to Korea after learning on Dec. 30 that his father had been rushed to the hospital, and he was by his side at the end.
On Jan. 4, he also shared an image from the photo book of "To the Starry Island" ― the film led by his father in which Ahn appeared as a child actor ― as he looked back on their time together.
Ahn Sung-ki was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2019 and was declared in remission the following year, but the illness later recurred. He was taken to the emergency room at Soonchunhyang University Hospital in Seoul on Dec. 30 in cardiac arrest and had been receiving treatment in the ICU. He passed away on Jan. 5 at 9 a.m., surrounded by family.
A memorial has been set up in Room 31 of the funeral hall at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital. The funeral procession is scheduled for 6 a.m. on Jan. 9, with burial at Byeolgeurida-da in Yangpyeong.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)