Director Ahn Pan-seok, Mastermind Behind 'Behind the White Tower' and 'Secret Love Affair', Passes Away at 65

Director Ahn Pan-seok, who left a monumental mark on the history of Korean television dramas, has passed away at the age of 65.

According to the broadcasting industry on the 12th, the late director passed away today after his health deteriorated while battling a cerebral hemorrhage. He had been receiving treatment after being diagnosed with lung cancer last year, but following a sudden cerebral hemorrhage, he ultimately could not recover and closed his eyes.

The mortuary for the deceased will be set up at the funeral hall of Seoul National University Hospital in Hyehwa-dong, Seoul.

Having joined MBC in 1987 and begun his directing career, Director Ahn was widely referred to as a master of Korean dramas. Each project he released drew public popularity for its sharp social criticism, deep human insight, and sensational visual aesthetics, including "Behind the White Tower", which reached the peak of Korean medical dramas, as well as delicate directing seen in "How Long I've Kissed", "Secret Love Affair", "Something in the Rain", and "One Spring Night".

Remaining passionately active on set until recently, the deceased solidified his standing as a master director, receiving favorable reviews for "The Art of Negotiation" which aired last year.

The upcoming ENA Monday-Tuesday drama "Love Doctor", scheduled to air this coming October, became his posthumous work. The drama, starring actors Choo Young-woo and Kim So-hyun, is reportedly set to air as scheduled since the director completed all filming and editing during his lifetime.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)