Ahn Pan-seok, director of 'Behind the White Tower,' dies at 64

Ahn Pan-seok, the veteran television director known for hit series including “Behind the White Tower” (2007) and “Something in the Rain” (2018), died Wednesday at 64.

Ahn had been receiving hospital treatment since suffering a cerebral hemorrhage last month but died Wednesday, broadcasting industry sources said.

Born in November 1961, Ahn was a television director who began his career at MBC. He made his directorial debut with “Greetings of Love” (translated) in 1994 on MBC Bestseller Theater, an anthology series of one-act dramas. He then left the broadcaster in 2003.

His best-known works include “Behind the White Tower,” “How Long I've Kissed” (2012), “Secret Affair” (2014), “Heard It Through the Grapevine” (2015), “Something in the Rain” and “One Spring Night” (2019).

Ahn remained active as a director until recently. His final directing project is “Love Doctor” (translated), which was scheduled to air on ENA in October. Filming and editing for the drama have been completed.

However, the air date is “being checked,” and it has not yet been decided whether the schedule will change, an ENA spokesperson said.

The drama's production team added that the funeral proceedings will be closed to the press to allow Ahn's family to quietly say goodbye.

BY SHIN HYE-YEON [lee.taehee2@joongang.co.kr]