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Beloved director dies suddenly after brain haemorrhage and brutal cancer battle

A well-respected director has sadly died after suffering a sudden brain haemorrhage and tributes have poured in for the TV star who worked on a number of popular series

[The sad news has rocked the K-drama TV world]

The sad news has rocked the K-drama TV world(Image: Getty)

A beloved director has died. K-drama star Ahn Pan-seok has passed away at the age of 64 following a sudden brain haemorrhage.

The South Korean television director worked on series like Heard It Through the Grapevine, Secret Affair and Behind the White Tower after completing his studies at Sejong University. Ahn died while receiving medical care in hospital after collapsing from a cerebral haemorrhage.

The production crew behind his upcoming television series Love Doctor issued a statement confirming the devastating news: "We are delivering heartbreaking news. We express our deepest condolences and pray for the deceased to rest in peace."

[Tributes have been shared on social media]

Tributes have been shared on social media(Image: Getty)

The programme is scheduled for broadcast in October 2026. Ahn's death comes a year after his lung cancer diagnosis and he had been receiving treatment prior to his recent hospitalisation.

Tributes have poured in for the director. One admirer referenced his 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," reports the Express.

Someone else posted on X/Twitter: "A true master of storytelling whose work defined an era of Korean television. Rest in peace."

[The director's fans were clearly devastated by the news]

The director's fans were clearly devastated by the news(Image: The Chosunilbo JNS, ImaZins via Getty Images)

Another wrote: "Director Ahn Pan-Seok passed away last night. He was working on an upcoming drama starring #ChooYoungWoo and #KimSoHyun. May he rest in peace."

Ahn's funeral is reportedly scheduled for 15th August at Seoul National University Hospital Funeral Hall, followed by a cremation at Seoul City Crematorium.

The ceremony will be private, in accordance with his family's wishes.

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