Ahn Sung-ki, a towering figure of Korean cinema, has passed away at the age of 74 after a long battle with illness. As tributes pour in from the film industry and the public, his eldest son, artist Ahn Dabin, expressed gratitude on behalf of the family.

On the 5th, Ahn Dabin posted a photo of chrysanthemums on his social media story along with a brief message: “Sincere thanks for the warm comfort.” Though short, the words conveyed heartfelt appreciation to those who mourned his father and offered support to the family.

Earlier, on the 4th, when his father’s condition was critical, Ahn Dabin shared a memory by posting images from the film I Want to Go to That Island, starring Ahn Sung-ki and featuring Ahn Dabin himself as a child actor. The post recalled precious moments they shared together.

Ahn Dabin is currently an accomplished visual artist based in Chicago, USA. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) and has drawn critical attention for his distinctive work spanning oil painting and installation art. In interviews, he has often cited his father as his life’s role model and the person he respects most.

Meanwhile, the late Ahn Sung-ki continued to hold onto his passion for film despite battling blood cancer for several years. His funeral hall has seen a steady stream of visitors from across the film industry, as the public bids a sorrowful farewell to a giant who shaped Korean cinema.