Ahn Chang-jun (64), the father of the late Ahn Ji-ho, a victim of the Itaewon tragedy, passed away in the early hours of the 17th after a battle with cancer. He will be laid to rest at the Guri City Cemetery, right beside his daughter, Ji-ho.
Born in 2001, Ahn Ji-ho was a precious daughter born to her parents in their forties. An aspiring stylist, she first met actress Moon So-ri on a drama set in Changwon, Gyeongnam, in 2021. Having worked together for six months as a stylist assistant, Moon So-ri often told her, “Your parents must be so proud to have raised such a wonderful daughter.” Those words became the most cherished memory for the bereaved family.
On October 29, 2022, Ahn Ji-ho never returned from the alleys of Itaewon.
A month later, an unexpected name was called on a glamorous red carpet. On November 26, 2022, while presenting at the 43rd Blue Dragon Film Awards, Moon So-ri personally mentioned the name of Ahn Ji-ho, who had passed away in the Itaewon tragedy.
She shared, “Ahn Ji-ho, who always carried a heavy bag while working with me. I still can’t believe she left for heaven on October 29.” She added, “It broke my heart that I couldn’t call your name in a place like this.”
Ahn Chang-jun later shared that he felt comforted when his daughter’s name was called at the Blue Dragon Awards.
Moon So-ri’s remembrance didn’t stop there. On October 29, 2025, she attended the 3rd anniversary memorial of the October 29 Itaewon tragedy at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. Taking the stage to remember Ahn Ji-ho, she read the poem “Agnes’ Song” from Director Lee Chang-dong’s movie ‘Poetry’. She struggled to find words, describing her as “a smart, bright, and polite friend.”
Ahn Chang-jun, who was also present, had been active in the Itaewon Tragedy Bereaved Families Association, demanding a thorough investigation and measures to prevent recurrence. In late 2024, cancer was discovered late during a medical checkup for his driver’s license renewal. The family believes the stress of losing his daughter contributed to the illness.
It is reported that a condolence wreath sent by Moon So-ri was placed in front of the altar. The funeral was held at the Asan Medical Center funeral hall, with the burial scheduled for 5:40 AM on the 19th.
