Director Ahn Pan-seok passes away after creating a melodrama with Jung Hae-in and Yoo Ah-in... Shocking news in the K-drama world [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

K-drama's "master of melodrama" Director Ahn Pan-seok has suddenly passed away.

According to a source on the 12th, Director Ahn Pan-seok was diagnosed with lung cancer last year and underwent treatment. Recently, he collapsed due to a brain hemorrhage. Although he regained consciousness and continued rehabilitation therapy, he ultimately left those he loved behind today at the age of 65.

Director Ahn Pan-seok is a legendary figure known for his significant works among domestic and international drama fans. Since joining MBC in 1987, he directed notable series such as 'Match', 'Roses and Bean Sprouts', and 'Auntie'. In 2007, he won the Directing Award at the 43rd Baeksang Arts Awards for 'White Tower'.

He later moved to JTBC, creating works like 'The Qualities of a Wife', 'End of the World', and 'Secret Love Affair'. He solidified his title as the "master of melodrama" by sequentially directing 'My Lovely Liar', 'Spring Night', and 'Graduation'. Even recently, he offered unique entertainment with 'The Negotiation'.

Actors who worked under Director Ahn Pan-seok received great love from viewers through their deep emotional performances in melodramas. The main cast includes Yoo Ah-in, Kim Hee-ae, Son Ye-jin, Jung Hae-in, Han Jimin, Jung Ryeo-won, and Wi Ha-jun.

In an interview conducted after finishing 'My Lovely Liar' in 2018, Son Ye-jin praised the director, saying, "The atmosphere on set depends on each individual. In 'My Lovely Liar', the most important director made the set happy. Filming dramas is always difficult, and others are likely still filming under tough conditions today, but the set of 'My Lovely Liar' was truly valuable."

Jung Ryeo-won of 'Graduation' also expressed high praise for Director Ahn Pan-seok during a wrap-up interview: "'Graduation' is a work that met us by fate. Last March, I wrote down the names of directors and writers I wanted to work with in my diary, including Director Ahn Pan-seok's name. When I heard it was a melodrama by Director Ahn Pan-seok starting in September, I agreed without even reading the script. It is a life-defining work in many ways—a work that helped me graduate from my anxieties."

The late director's final work will be 'Yeon Ae (Dr.)', starring Cho Young-woo and Kim So-hyun, scheduled for release this October. The production team of 'Yeon Ae (Dr.)' released an official statement on the 12th: "We are deeply saddened to share this heartbreaking news. Director Ahn Pan-seok passed away on August 12, 2026. Once again, we express our deepest condolences as he departs and pray for his eternal peace."

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*This content was translated by AI.