Actors mourn passing of acclaimed director Ahn Pan-seok

The South Korean entertainment industry is mourning the loss of director Ahn Pan-seok, a celebrated figure known for his nuanced storytelling and direction in dramas such as 'A Wife's Dignity,' 'Secret Love Affair,' 'Something in the Rain,' and 'One Spring Night.' Ahn passed away on August 12, leaving a significant void in the world of television drama production.

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Thank you for igniting a spark in the hearts of many actors. You don't know how hard the actors worked wanting to receive that 'No. 1' stamp from the director. It was happiness to be able to spend the entire shoot with that mindset.

Actors who collaborated with Ahn have shared heartfelt tributes, remembering his unique directorial style and the positive impact he had on their careers. Jung Ryeo-won, who starred in Ahn's recent drama 'Graduation,' posted on Instagram expressing gratitude for the "spark" he ignited in actors' hearts. She recalled the intense dedication of the cast, driven by a desire to earn his coveted "No. 1" praise, and noted how his focus on "being" rather than "doing" helped reveal the essence of their performances.

Kim Hee-ae, who worked with Ahn on two acclaimed projects, 'A Wife's Dignity' (2012) and 'Secret Love Affair' (2014), also shared memories on Instagram. She posted photos from their time working together, reflecting on the "truly happy filming environment" and expressing deep gratitude and respect for the opportunities he provided and his recognition of her acting.

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Seeing us all laughing together while watching the monitor, it seems like it was a truly happy filming set. Thanks to the director, we were able to work together on two great projects.

Actor Cha Kang-yoon described Ahn as a "respected mentor and father figure," sharing a poignant memory of Ahn placing radish kimchi atop a bowl of Baek숙 (Korean boiled chicken soup) for him. He expressed regret for not being able to show Ahn more of his progress as an actor. The funeral service for Director Ahn Pan-seok is being held at the Seoul National University Hospital funeral hall, with his final rites scheduled for August 15.

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I will become a great actor. Let's go to the Baek숙 restaurant you liked again later.