At the funeral mass for the late actor Ahn Sung-ki, his eldest son, Ahn Dabin, read a letter from his father and was overcome with emotion.
The service was held the morning of the 9th at the Familia Chapel of Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul’s Jung-gu district. Beginning at 9 a.m., the ceremony featured a tribute video, eulogies from funeral co-chairs director Bae Chang-ho and actor Jung Woo-sung, and a closing thank-you from Ahn’s eldest son, Ahn Dabin.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Ahn expressed his gratitude: “Thank you to everyone who made time this morning to see my father off into God’s embrace and share your condolences. On behalf of my family, we are deeply grateful.”
He added that while his father lived by the belief that one should never be a burden to others, there was no way to adequately repay the outpouring of kindness and love except with a few sincere words of thanks―something that weighed on his heart.
A letter left by the late actor was also shared. Ahn Dabin said he found it after his passing. “I don’t really remember it, but when I was about five and drew pictures for kindergarten, my dad would write me little notes. It’s a letter to me, but it feels like a message he left for everyone,” he explained.
The letter read, in part: “Dabin, on the day you were born, the moment I saw your face―so tiny, smaller than my fist, and so much like mine―my eyes filled with tears. Seeing how you’ve grown into such a fine young man, I feel I have nothing more to wish for. What kind of person should you become? I hope you will always be humble and honest, love others, and have a big heart. Be someone who keeps time, and who can face failure and sorrow with inner peace. My son Dabin, never forget that what this world needs, more than anything, is good people. November 1993. ―Dad.” The words encapsulated Ahn Sung-ki’s life philosophy and his profound love for his son.
As Ahn read the letter, his voice broke and his eyes welled up, moving many in attendance to tears.
Ahn Sung-ki, who passed away at 74, will be laid to rest at Byeolgeurida in Yangpyeong.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)