Baek Il-seob's past wishes for Choi Bool-am resurface after actor's death

Actor Baek Il-seob's March remarks on the MBN program 'Precious Secrets' have gained renewed attention following the death of Choi Bool-am on October 29. Baek had previously expressed concern over being unable to contact his senior colleague, who passed away at the age of 87.

The past remarks of actor Baek Il-seob, in which he expressed deep concern for the health of the late Choi Bool-am and earnestly hoped for his recovery, are drawing attention once again. His sincere wish to see his senior colleague "shake it off and come back soon" while worrying about being unable to reach him has become even more poignant following the news of Choi Bool-am's passing.

Appearing on the MBN entertainment program 'Precious Secrets' in March, Baek Il-seob shared his honest feelings regarding the passage of time and the absence of colleagues. He mentioned the late Lee Soon-jae, who had passed away, stating, "The top is constantly emptying. Lee Soon-jae hyung is gone too," expressing the emptiness felt as senior colleagues who worked together in the entertainment industry for many years pass away one by one.

Baek Il-seob then expressed concern regarding Choi Bool-am's recent status. "There has been no contact from Bul-am hyung lately. He doesn't even pick up the phone," he said, adding, "I can't keep prying to ask if he is unwell somewhere." His words reflected the hesitation of wanting to check on a senior's health while being unable to establish contact.

His affectionate wish for Choi Bool-am was captured in his statement: "He is my immediate senior, and I hope Bul-am hyung can quickly shake it off and come back." Baek Il-seob added, "If the top keeps emptying, doesn't that mean it's my turn? I have to do this for at least 10 more years. I want to live like that." He connected the absence of his seniors to his own aging, expressing his desire to continue living as an actor for longer.

However, Baek Il-seob's wish ultimately did not come to fruition. Choi Bool-am passed away on the afternoon of October 29 at the age of 87. The news of his passing comes approximately seven months after his junior colleague's remarks, leaving his previous words being revisited.

The funeral altar for Choi Bool-am was prepared at the Asan Medical Center Funeral Hall in Pungnap-dong, Seoul. The encoffinment ceremony is scheduled for November 1 at 2:30 p.m., and the funeral procession will take place on November 2 at 7 a.m. The burial site has been set at Donghwa Gyeongmo Park.

Baek Il-seob's concern for a senior who stood as a pillar of South Korean popular culture for a long time was not mere rhetoric, but a simple wish for well-being and recovery. The fact that his calm remark, "He doesn't even pick up the phone," has now become a greeting that can never be delivered again leaves a deep resonance for those remembering the deceased.

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