Cha Seung-won: "Look at people closely" → Kim Myung-min: "Listen and show respect".. Actors pay glowing tribute to the late Director Ahn Pan-seok [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Following the passing of Director Ahn Pan-seok, actors Cha Seung-won and Kim Myung-min, who shared a special rapport with him, paid tribute to the deceased.

Actor Cha Seung-won, who starred alongside Director Ahn in his first and final film "South of the Border," as well as in the dramas "Shy Lover" and "Roses and Bean Sprouts," totaling three works together, told Daily Sports on the 12th: "The director did not have a conventional gaze when observing actors. He was a director who always made actors move like living beings."

He also added, "He observed people very closely and never settled, constantly taking on challenges regardless of genre."

Director Ahn's representative work cannot be overlooked: the drama "White Tower." It aired in 2007, achieved a peak viewership rating of 20.8%, and remains a legendary work. For actor Kim Myung-min, "White Tower" was also his life-defining role.

Kim Myung-min also recalled the director through the same media outlet: "He listened carefully to actors' words, respected their expressions, and acknowledged them to such an extent that he was deeply admirable."

The director collapsed last month due to a brain hemorrhage and was hospitalized. His condition worsened on this afternoon, leading to his passing.

A representative of 'Yeon Ae (Dr.)' announced today: "We are deeply saddened to share this news. Director Ahn Pan-seok passed away on August 12, 2026." They continued, "In accordance with the wishes of the bereaved family, we are announcing his passing. To allow the grieving family time to quietly say their final goodbyes with the deceased, we request your cooperation in keeping funeral procedures confidential from the press. Once again, we express our deepest condolences on the director's journey and respectfully pray for his eternal peace."

Director Ahn helmed numerous hit dramas including "White Tower," "A Wife's Qualifications," "Secret Love Affair," "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," "Pretty Nanny Who Buys Me Dinner," "Spring Night," and "The Negotiation." The late director's final work is ENA's new drama "Yeon Ae (Dr.)," starring actor Cho Young-woo and Kim So-hyun, scheduled for release in October.

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*This content was translated by AI.