Political leaders mourn passing of veteran actor Choi Bool-am

Ruling and opposition parties expressed condolences following the death of actor Choi Bool-am, who passed away at age 87 on the 29th in Seoul. Politicians remembered the veteran performer for his iconic roles in dramas such as Chief Inspector and Country Diaries.

The political world, spanning both ruling and opposition parties, expressed deep condolences following the passing of actor Choi Bool-am. Politicians mourned the deceased—a representative actor of an era who stood by viewers as a righteous detective in dramas and a warm-hearted patriarch—calling him the "father of the nation" and a "true elder." Voices continued to reflect on his life, which left a legacy of warm humanity beyond the screen and into Korean living rooms.

Kim Min-seok, representative of the Democratic Party of Korea, posted a tribute on his X account on the 30th, stating, "Though the teacher has departed, the people will forever remember him as the Chief Inspector of Korea, the village head of Yangchon-ri, and a father and grandfather to all who were guided by Korean Cuisine and Dining." This signifies that his diverse personas, from Chief Park in 'Chief Inspector' to Chairman Kim in 'Country Diaries' and the host of 'Korean Cuisine and Dining,' will be remembered across generations.

Kim also recalled his past political competition with Choi Bool-am. "It was an honor to compete with the teacher, a 'national treasure-class actor,' in the Yeongdeungpo National Assembly election 30 years ago," he reminisced, adding, "He showed me that it is possible to maintain a warm relationship even while competing." In the 15th National Assembly election in 1996, Choi Bool-am ran as the New Korea Party candidate for Yeongdeungpo-eul but lost to Kim. Their connection draws attention for having maintained a human bond beyond their political confrontation.

Former Democratic Party representative Song Young-gil also expressed his longing for the deceased via Facebook. "With the deep gaze of Chief Park in 'Chief Inspector' who silently embraced the pains of the world, and the generous smile of Chairman Kim in 'Country Diaries' who protected the warmth of a rural village, the teacher was always a warm, great elder and a shelter by our side," he wrote. He further honored the footsteps of the deceased, who shared the joys and sorrows of an era, saying, "Thank you for staying by our side and sharing the joys and sorrows of an era."

Kang Deuk-gu, director of the Democratic Institute, also mourned, saying, "The teacher's face and voice always had a human scent, and just seeing him would make one's heart feel at ease. It feels very empty to send away such a precious elder of an era." Kim Jun-hyeok, a Democratic Party lawmaker, also paid tribute, stating, "I was truly happy thanks to him making us cry and laugh with his sincere acting throughout his life. I earnestly pray that he now lays down all the heavy burdens of the world and rests in eternal peace."

The People Power Party also expressed condolences regarding the passing. Cho Yong-sul, a spokesperson for the People Power Party, stated in a commentary, "We deeply mourn the passing of the father of the nation, actor Choi Bool-am," evaluating him as "a national actor who has been with us for a long time, as the righteous Chief Park in 'Chief Inspector' and the warm Chairman Kim in 'Country Diaries'."

Cho also mentioned the friendly image and generational memories the deceased left with the public. "The deceased was the first person many people thought of when recalling the image of a warm father or neighbor," he stated, noting, "To the middle-aged generation, he is also a protagonist in memories who provided great laughter through the 'Choi Bool-am series' during their childhood." He emphasized, "While the image of actor Choi Bool-am laughing heartily by our side will now remain as a memory, his warm life and teachings will continue across generations."

The Rebuilding Korea Party also remembered him as an "elder who provides strength to the people." Leader Shin Jang-sik mourned, saying, "An elder who always protected and gave strength by our side—this is the legacy left by teacher Choi Bool-am. Actor Choi Bool-am has finished his role on this planet and returned to the heavens." Spokesperson Park Sang-hyun also described him in a commentary as "the true symbol of humanity and a warm elder that our society should aim for."

Park stated, "A warm gaze that respects a person's life and makes room for them, rather than flashy adjectives or authority, is the firmest root that sustains our society." The assessment suggests that not only his acting career but also his humble and gentle character imprinted on the public remains a socially meaningful legacy.

Choi Bool-am passed away at approximately 10:30 p.m. on the 29th while receiving treatment at a hospital in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, due to deteriorating health. He was 87 years old. As he took his final journey, tributes continue to pour in from the political sphere and all walks of life for a man who lived as a father and neighbor in Korean society through numerous works during a career spanning over half a century.

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