Acclaimed Korean director Ahn Pan Seok dies at 64 after cerebral hemorrhage battle

South Korean television industry mourns the loss of acclaimed director Ahn Pan Seok, who passed away on August 12, 2026, at the age of 64 following complications from a cerebral hemorrhage. His final project, ENA's upcoming series Romance Expert, starring Choo Young Woo and Kim So Hyun, confirmed his death in a statement released on the day of his demise.

The production team shared the news as per his family's request to respect their privacy during this difficult period, allowing funeral arrangements to proceed without public attention.

Reports emerged last month that Ahn had been hospitalized after collapsing due to a cerebral hemorrhage. Initially, his production company reported that he was recovering well, stating that both filming and editing on his final work had already been completed before his health crisis. Over his extensive career, Ahn earned a reputation as a master of emotionally rich storytelling.

With a career spanning nearly four decades, he began his journey in the industry in 1987 when he joined MBC's drama division as a producer. It wasn't until seven years later, in 1994, that he made his directorial debut with Greetings of Love as part of the MBC Best Theater anthology series.