People Power Party lawmaker Bae Hyun-jin paid her respects at Ahn Sung-ki's wake on the 5th. Channel A YouTube channel

People Power Party lawmaker Bae Hyun-jin visited Ahn Sung-ki's wake and faced some criticism.

On the 5th, she paid her respects at Ahn Sung-ki's wake set up at the funeral hall of Seoul St. Mary's Hospital of the Catholic University of Korea in Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul.

After paying her respects, Bae told reporters, “My connection with Mr. Ahn began when, as a rookie announcer, I shared the Film Critics Awards ceremony with him; as much as the love he bestowed upon the people of Korea, I hope he now rests in heaven, receiving even greater love.”

She also said, “Even after 100 years, he will likely not be forgotten in the minds of the public and many others,” adding, “I hope he feels no pain and, while blessing his family in peace, lives on in heaven.”

Some internet users expressed discomfort with Bae's response. Her appearance in a bright-toned outfit that did not suit a wake became the flashpoint. It contrasted with most other mourners, who wore black.

Her repeated smiling during interviews also drew reproach. Because other well-known mourners who spoke to the press were interviewed with somber expressions, Bae's demeanor prompted comments such as “lacks sincerity” and “looks frivolous.”

In addition, when recalling Ahn's acting, Bae described a scene, saying, “In one of his old films, a scene of tearing and eating was shocking,” which drew criticism as inappropriate for a solemn atmosphere of mourning.

Some, however, defended her, saying that because she visited the wake on the day of Ahn's passing after urgent commitments, she may not have had time to prepare black attire.

Ahn Sung-ki, lauded as a ‘national actor,’ passed away at 9 a.m. on the 5th at age 74, and tributes from the political world are continuing. Cho Kuk, leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, also visited the wake that day, saying, “I grew up watching Mr. Ahn Sung-ki's films,” and, “May he also become a star in the sky and shine upon many.”

President Lee Jae-myung sent a condolence wreath to the wake and wrote on his Facebook the same day, “I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Mr. Ahn Sung-ki, who left a great footprint on the history of Korean cinema and on culture and the arts as a whole,” adding, “I already miss his warm smile and gentle voice. I pray with all my heart that he may rest in peace.”

Ahn passed away that day in the intensive care unit at Soonchunhyang University Hospital in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, with his family watching over him. It was six days after he collapsed at home on the 30th of last month with food stuck in his throat and was hospitalized unconscious. He had been fighting a blood cancer since 2019 while preparing to return to acting.