Friday, January 9, 2026

Shock Over 'Raw Chicken Scene'... Bae Hyun-jin Criticized for Wearing White and Smiling at Ahn Sung-ki's Funeral

Input
2026-01-07 05:30:00
Updated
2026-01-07 05:30:00
Bae Hyun-jin, a member of the People Power Party. Channel A screenshot.

[Financial News] Bae Hyun-jin, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, visited the funeral hall of the late actor Ahn Sung-ki and became embroiled in controversy over her behavior during the visit.
Ahn Sung-ki passed away on the morning of the 5th at the intensive care unit of Soonchunhyang University Hospital Seoul, surrounded by his family. His funeral was held at The Catholic University of Korea Seoul St. Mary's Hospital.
As Ahn Sung-ki was a beloved 'national actor' for many years, people from all walks of life, including those from the entertainment industry, came to pay their respects.
President Lee Jae-myung sent a funeral wreath and expressed his condolences via Social Networking Service (SNS), stating, "I deeply mourn the passing of Mr. Ahn Sung-ki, who left a significant mark on the history of Korean cinema and the cultural arts. I already miss his warm smile and gentle voice."
Cho Kuk, leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, also visited the funeral hall and said, "I grew up watching Mr. Ahn Sung-ki's films as a child," expressing his condolences.
Bae Hyun-jin also visited Ahn Sung-ki's funeral on the 5th, but her attire and interview manner sparked controversy.
According to footage released by Channel A, Bae appeared before reporters wearing a white coat and smiling, in contrast to most mourners who wore black attire.
On that day, Bae said, "My connection with him began when I was a rookie announcer and attended the Film Critics Award ceremony with him. He suffered for a long time, and I hope that, just as he gave so much love to the people of Korea, he will receive even greater love and rest in peace in heaven. I came to pay my respects."
She also recalled the late actor's performances and even burst into laughter. She said, "There was a scene where he ate raw chicken. It was shocking. I still remember that old film."
Some netizens expressed discomfort at Bae's reaction. Comments included, "Did she come to an awards ceremony? Full makeup, bright clothes, and even smiling during the interview," "While just showing up at the funeral is comforting, this seems inappropriate," "Even wearing earrings, unbelievable," "I've never seen such a bright interview at a funeral," "Laughing out loud makes her seem frivolous," "If she didn't have time to change, she could have come the next day," and "Wearing white to a funeral is shocking."
Ahn Sung-ki, who had been battling blood cancer, was rushed to the emergency room from his home on the afternoon of December 30 last year after food became lodged in his airway. He received CPR in a state of cardiac arrest and was treated in the intensive care unit. However, he ultimately passed away at around 9 a.m. on the 5th at the age of 74.
moon@fnnews.com Moon Young-jin Reporter