On January 9, photos shared in online communities and social media showed Kim Tae Hee and Rain visiting the funeral hall of Ahn Sung Ki, who died earlier this month. Dressed in black formal attire, the couple was seen holding hands as they entered the memorial, a silent but powerful display of shared grief and respect.
The moment resonated deeply with audiences, as Ahn Sung Ki was not only a legendary figure in Korean cinema, but also a significant presence in the couple’s personal life. In 2017, Ahn Sung Ki was the wedding godfather and official best man at Kim Tae Hee and Rain’s wedding ceremony. Their bond goes back even further: He was also Rain’s godfather during the singer’s Catholic baptism in 2014, marking a relationship built on trust and mentorship.
Known as Korea’s beloved “national actor”, Ahn Sung Ki was buried on January 9. A funeral mass was held at Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul at 8 am, followed by a film industry memorial service at 9 am. After the ceremony, the procession moved to Yangpyeong Byeolgeurida, his final resting place.
The memorial ceremony was attended by many of Korea’s most respected actors. Jung Woo Sung carried the late actor’s portrait, while Lee Jung Jae held his medals. Fellow actors Sul Kyung Gu, Park Chul Min, Yoo Ji Tae, Park Hae Il, Jo Woo Jin and Joo Ji Hoon served as pallbearers, highlighting the immense respect Ahn Sung Ki commanded within the film community.
Ahn Sung Ki had been battling blood cancer since his diagnosis in 2019. Although he was declared cancer-free in 2020, the disease later recurred. On December 30, he collapsed after choking on food and was hospitalized in critical condition. He died six days later.
As Kim Tae Hee and Rain cried silently hand in hand, their appearance served as a touching reminder of the enduring personal bonds behind public life and the profound legacy left by Ahn Sung Ki, mentor, godfather and icon of Korean cinema.
Sources: Netizenbuzz
