[Edaily Starin Gim Ga Yeong Reporter] Director Ahn Pan-seok, known as the “drama maestro,” has passed away.

On the 12th, the production team of KT Studio Genie’s “Love Doctor” expressed their condolences regarding Director Ahn Pan-seok’s passing, stating, “We are saddened to share this heartbreaking news,” and added, “Director Ahn Pan-seok passed away on August 12, 2026, at the age of 64.”
The drama’s production team explained, “We are sharing this obituary in accordance with the wishes of the bereaved family,” adding, “We plan to conduct the funeral proceedings privately to allow the bereaved family, who are in deep mourning, to quietly say their goodbyes to the deceased, and we earnestly ask for your cooperation.”
They continued, “Once again, we express our deepest condolences on the passing of the deceased and humbly pray for the repose of his soul.”
Director Ahn Pan-seok passed away today. It is reported that he passed away after his health deteriorated while battling a cerebral hemorrhage.
News of Director Ahn’s illness had been reported on the 31st of last month, just as filming for the Genie TV original drama *Love Doctor* had wrapped up and the series was set to premiere. At the time, a representative from Studio Genie stated, “He is currently recovering,” adding, “Editing has been completed following the conclusion of filming. There will be no issues with the broadcast schedule.” However, the news of his passing has left many deeply saddened.
Scheduled for release this October, “Love Doctor” tells the story of Min-jae, a doctoral student who was a high school swimmer but lost one leg to illness, and Yoo-jin, a master’s student who, after losing her sense of direction, has embarked on a new path. The drama depicts the spicy, bitter, and sweet romance that blossoms between these two young people in a robotics lab. Choo Young-woo and Kim So-hyun star in the lead roles.
Director Ahn, who began directing dramas after joining MBC in 1987, has helmed numerous hit series, including “Roses and Bean Sprouts,” “The White Tower,” “The Qualifications of a Wife,” “Secret Affair,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “The Pretty Sister Who Buys Me Dinner,” “Spring Night,” “Graduation,” and “The Art of Negotiation.”
The wake for the deceased will be held at the Seoul National University Hospital Funeral Home in Hyehwa-dong.