Veteran South Korean actor Choi Bool-am (최불암) has passed away at the age of 87, concluding a 67-year career in entertainment. Choi, who began his acting journey through a special recruitment by Seoul Central Broadcasting (now KBS) in its 6th class, starred in countless beloved productions, from his role as Detective Park in the classic drama Chief Inspector (수사반장) to Chairman Kim in Country Diaries (전원일기). His warm, friendly image and steady, profound acting deeply resonated with audiences across generations, earning him the affectionate title of “Nation’s Father.” His family confirmed that he passed away on the 29th at a hospital.
Following the sad news, actress Kim Hye-soo (김혜수), who had previously been mentored by Choi Bool-am, shared how she cherished his heartfelt text messages, describing them as “like poetry.” This past anecdote has resurfaced, moving many.
According to reports from the Korean entertainment industry on the 30th, Choi Bool-am passed away around 10 PM on the 29th while receiving inpatient treatment at a hospital in Gangseo District, Seoul. His wake is currently being held at the Asan Medical Center Funeral Hall in Seoul, open to the public for condolences starting at 10 AM on the 30th.
In 2021, Kim Hye-soo appeared on the 10th-anniversary special of KBS 1TV’s program Korean Table (한국인의 밥상), where she spoke emotionally about Choi Bool-am and his wife, Kim Min-ja (김민자), expressing her gratitude to both. She described Kim Min-ja as a “kind senior colleague, like a mother,” and confessed, “To me, Kim Min-ja and Choi Bool-am were like a mother and father.” She recalled how, as a young actress still learning the craft, she always received their gentle care and found understanding and support from them whenever she faced difficulties, for which she remained eternally grateful.
Most notably, Kim Hye-soo revealed that she still keeps every text message Choi Bool-am ever sent her. She stated, “The messages from him were like poetry; he would always send me long texts, and I’ve kept all of them to this day. Every time I receive one, I read it over and over because it makes me feel so good.”
At the time, Kim Hye-soo also publicly shared one of these messages, which conveyed Choi Bool-am’s delicate concern for his junior colleague and his unique literary sensibility.
In the message, Choi Bool-am wrote, “I heard you were abroad, and now that you’re back, are you heading to New York again?” He then expressed his concern, “How can you endure such long journeys, 12 or 13 hours of flying back and forth? And having to leave Seoul, where a cool breeze is blowing.”
For Kim Hye-soo, who frequently traveled overseas for work, Choi Bool-am didn’t forget to remind her to rest well, writing, “Even if you temporarily set aside your longing and desire to meet, you must let your body rest well, then New York will become wonderful.” Finally, he offered encouragement with poetic words: “Autumn is the season of longing, the season when grapes ripen, and the airplane should be the season of dreams. So, when you return, I’ll listen to what dreams Hye-soo had!”
This short message, devoid of flowery language, contained a senior’s deep affection and concern for a junior, revealing Choi Bool-am’s gentle, meticulous, and emotional side beyond the camera.
Choi Bool-am had previously undergone surgery for a herniated lumbar disc, and due to mobility issues, he had to step down from hosting KBS 1TV’s Korean Table, a program he had led for 14 years. During his tenure, he traveled across Korea, documenting local food culture and the lives of ordinary people through various home-cooked dishes, accompanying viewers through countless hours. His announcement to step down as host had already saddened many viewers.
Afterward, Choi Bool-am was hospitalized for rehabilitation treatment. A photo of him in his hospital bed, revealed in June this year, became an important update on his health status that concerned the public.
Now, with the passing of this “Nation’s Father”—who warmed junior colleagues with poetic messages and accompanied countless viewers through classic works—these past heartwarming moments have resurfaced, further highlighting the profound affection and warmth he left behind, adding a poignant touch to his 67-year acting career.
