A leading film director in the 1950s and '60s, Shin Sang-ok, died Tuesday night at age 80.

He was hospitalized at Seoul National University hospital two weeks ago when conditions worsened after two years of hospital care since his liver transplant.

He is survived by his wife and actress Choi Un-hee, two sons and two daughters. His eldest son Jeong-gyun is also a film director.

Born in 1925 in North Hamkyong Province, North Korea, he debuted in 1952 and married the popular actress Choi the next year.

The couple were abducted by North Korea in 1978 while in Hong Kong and held captive until their dramatic escape through Vienna in 1986. They said they were forced to make movies eulogizing North Korean leader Kim Jong-il and his regime.

Shin's leading works include "Seong Chun-hyang," "Evergreen Tree," "Mother and a Guest," "King Yeonsan" and "Red Muffler Pilots."