It has come to light that a staff member involved in the upcoming MBC Mon-Tues drama 'Hwajeong' passed away while searching for filming locations.

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According to drama reps in an exclusive by Ten Asia on the 21st, casting director Ahn Eun Nam was found dead at a motel in Naju, South Jeolla Province on the 18th. Mr. Ahn checked in at a motel to sleep, and was unable to be woken up the next day. He was then transferred to a nearby hospital where his sudden death was confirmed. According to the wishes of his bereaved family who did not want an autopsy, his funeral was held on the 20th.

One of his colleagues stated, "Casting requires one to drive for long hours and work at night, making one can't help but to feel a lot of fatigue... I cannot hold in my sadness that he passed away before the first filming on the 23rd."

The drama's production company Kim Jong Hak Production plans to meet the bereaved family today, and discuss any compensation. The production company's rep stated, "We are confirming with the company on whether or not there is anything we can do in terms of compensation to show our grief."

We offer our sincere condolences to Ahn Eun Nam's family, friends, and co-workers.