Kim Hye-eun mourns late director Ahn Pan-seok: 'Regret we couldn't work together one last time'

Actor Kim Hye-eun paid tribute Wednesday to acclaimed drama director Ahn Pan-seok, who died the same day.

Kim posted a photo of Ahn — taken at a production press conference — on her social media account Wednesday, writing that she had been "honored to work together on 'Secret Love Affair,' a production that director Ahn made possible for me."

"I never wanted to disappoint him," she added. "I only feel regret that we couldn't work together on his final project. My heart aches at the loss."

"Director Ahn Pan-seok helped me grow as a person," Kim continued. "I will never forget his words. May he rest in peace in heaven."

Kim worked with the late director on the 2014 JTBC drama series "Secret Love Affair," playing Seo Young-woo, a former classmate who harbors jealousy toward the lead character played by Kim Hee-ae.

Ahn joined MBC as a drama producer-director in 1987 and went on to create a long string of hit series, including "Jjak," "Jangmiwa Kongnamul," "White Tower," "A Wife's Credentials," "Secret Love Affair," "Something in the Rain" and "Spring Night." He was widely regarded as a master of melodrama, particularly for the warm emotional sensibility he brought to "A Wife's Credentials" and "Secret Love Affair." In 2006, he also made his feature film debut with "Over the Border," a comedy starring Cha Seung-won.

He received the directing award in the TV category at the 43rd Baeksang Arts Awards for "White Tower" and at the 50th Baeksang Arts Awards for "Secret Love Affair."

His final work, "Love Doctor," an ENA Monday-Tuesday drama series, is set to air in October. Filming and editing have been completed, and the series is expected to broadcast as scheduled.

Ahn had been diagnosed with lung cancer last year and was undergoing treatment when he collapsed from a cerebral hemorrhage on July 31 and was hospitalized. He died Wednesday. He was 65.

A memorial altar has been set up at funeral hall No. 1 of Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The funeral procession is scheduled for Saturday morning, with interment at the Seoul Metropolitan Crematorium.