K-drama director Ahn Pan-seok has died at the age of 64 after suffering a sudden brain haemorrhage. The South Korean TV director, known for hit shows such as Heard It Through the Grapevine, Secret Affair and Behind the White Tower, collapsed and died while undergoing treatment in hospital.
Career and Upcoming Work
Ahn, a graduate of Sejong University, was working on the upcoming TV series Love Doctor at the time of his death. The production team released a statement confirming the news, which read: “We are delivering heartbreaking news. We express our deepest condolences and pray for the deceased to rest in peace.”
The show is slated for release in October 2026, making it Ahn’s first and only posthumous work.
Health and Tributes
Ahn’s death comes a year after he was diagnosed with lung cancer, for which he had been receiving treatment before his latest hospitalisation.
Tributes have flooded in from fans and colleagues. One fan quoted co-star Son Yejin, who said of him in 2018: “There are so many heartwarming stories about the director. Everyone who has worked with him gives him a thumbs up. I don't think I can work with any other director in the future.”
Another wrote on X: “A true master of storytelling whose work defined an era of Korean television. Rest in peace.” A further tribute read: “Director Ahn Pan-Seok passed away last night. He was working on an upcoming drama starring #ChooYoungWoo and #KimSoHyun. May he rest in peace.”
Funeral Arrangements
Ahn’s funeral is reportedly set to take place at Seoul National University Hospital Funeral Hall on August 15th, followed by a cremation at Seoul City Crematorium. The funeral will be private as per the family’s request.
