It was revealed that the South Korean government has posthumously awarded the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit (1st Class), the highest honour in the field of popular culture and arts, to the late actor Ahn Sung-ki.
On 5 January, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Chae Hwi-young visited the funeral hall of Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital where the funeral was held and presented the medal.
Said Chae, “I cannot help but feel deep sorrow that Mr. Ahn Sung-ki, the most amazing actor in Korean cinema, has left us so early. We will always remember our national actor.”
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism explained that Ahn, who had starred in movies like “Chihwaseon,” “Silmido,” and “Whale Hunting,” was a national actor whose performances resonated across generations and lived a life dedicated to Korean cinema.
“As a figure symbolising the popular leap forward and industrial growth of Korean films in the 1990s and 2000s, he contributed to the expansion of the social and cultural scope of Korean films,” it added.
Ahn was rushed to the hospital on 30 December last year after choking on food at his residence. He was pronounced dead on 5 January at the age of 74.
(Photo Source: Minister Chae Hwi-young IG)