Baek Il-seob pays respects to late actor Choi Bool-am

Actor Baek Il-seob visited the Asan Medical Center Funeral Hall in Seoul on October 31 to mourn Choi Bool-am, who passed away at age 87 on October 29. Baek, who had expected the actor to live past 90, expressed regret that the two were unable to fulfill a promise to meet again following Choi's recent surgery.

Actor Baek Il-seob visited the funeral hall of the late Choi Bool-am to express his sorrow over the loss of a long-time senior colleague and drinking companion. Appearing with a cane, Baek admitted he did not expect such a sudden departure, stating he thought Choi would live to be over 90. Recalling moments spent sharing drinks, Baek noted how comfortable he felt just looking into Choi's eyes, hinting at the special bond the two shared.

On October 31, Baek Il-seob visited the funeral hall for Choi Bool-am, which was held at the Asan Medical Center Funeral Hall in Songpa-gu, Seoul. After paying his respects while leaning on a cane, he reflected on his meetings with the deceased and the time they last communicated.

Baek recalled frequently socializing with Choi Bool-am, Kim Yong-gun, and Lee Kye-in. He shared that during one evening gathering, Choi's wife even joined them to advise them not to drink too much. About a month after that meeting, he heard news that Choi was ill.

Initially, Baek did not think the situation was serious. Having undergone similar surgery himself, he explained that when he heard Choi had received surgery for a herniated disc, he believed it would be fine. It was only after hearing news of Choi's hospitalization that he realized the situation was grave, but the two were ultimately unable to keep their promise to meet again. "We said we would meet again after the back surgery..." Baek said, unable to continue his sentence.

He expressed that he still finds it hard to believe Choi has passed away. "I thought he wouldn't leave so easily. I didn't think of it at all," he said, adding, "I thought he would live past 90." He expressed his longing for the deceased, saying, "It is a pity he couldn't live a little longer."

Baek expressed regret, stating he intends to visit the funeral hall once more because "I haven't said everything I wanted to say." His confession that words remained unsaid even during his final farewell revealed the emptiness of losing a long-time companion.

His clearest memory remains the time the four of them spent sharing drinks. Baek explained that due to the nature of being an actor, there are not many people they form deep relationships with, usually just a few seniors and juniors. He recalled that when drinking with Choi, "looking at his eyes was comfortable." Rather than his illustrious acting career or public fame, Baek remembered the comfort Choi provided as a person.

Choi Bool-am passed away at 10:30 p.m. on October 29 while receiving treatment at a hospital in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, at the age of 87. The funeral hall was established at the Asan Medical Center Funeral Hall, and the funeral procession will be held on November 2. As the deceased was a devout Catholic, a funeral mass will be held at Yeouido Catholic Church following the procession.

The two had spent a long time as senior and junior colleagues in the entertainment industry and, at times, as friends sharing drinks. Baek Il-seob's calm reminiscence contained a sense of loss that their time together can no longer be repeated, along with deep affection for the deceased.

Read the original (Korean)