Photo shows actor Choi Bool-am receiving last rites before death

The Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul released a photo on the 30th showing actor Choi Bool-am receiving the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick on the 20th. The 87-year-old actor, who was baptized in 2018, passed away at 10:30 p.m. on the 29th following a long illness.

A photo has been released showing the late Choi Bool-am receiving the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick from Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung while on his deathbed, just nine days before he passed away. His wife, Kim Min-ja, was by his side during his final moments following a long illness. As the scene of the beloved national actor continuing his final journey through faith was shared, it added a poignant story to the wave of mourning.

On the 30th, the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul released a photo taken on the 20th showing Choi Bool-am receiving the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick from Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, accompanied by a message of condolence from Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick. The photograph captures Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung offering prayers to Choi Bool-am, who is lying in a hospital bed, while Kim Min-ja stays by his side wearing a mask. The release of the actor's final moments in the hospital has brought renewed attention to his struggle with illness and the grief of his family after receiving long-standing public affection.

In the Catholic Church, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament used to seek God's comfort and grace for the faithful suffering from illness or frailty. While often known as a rite received just before death, it is not exclusively performed at the moment of death. As a sacrament that can be performed while seeking spiritual comfort in a hospital bed, it shows that Choi Bool-am sought solace through his faith during his final period of illness.

Choi Bool-am, who was baptized in 2018, lived his life of faith under the Christian name "Francis." After receiving the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick in his hospital bed on the 20th, he passed away at 10:30 p.m. on the 29th, nine days later, at the age of 87. With the late release of the photo from the time he received the sacrament, interest is gathering regarding the journey of faith the deceased maintained until his final moments.

In his condolence message, Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick commemorated Choi Bool-am, stating, "He has established himself in the hearts of the people as a warm memory, acting as a father and an elder of our society." He further expressed his wish that the deceased's journey of faith, which began with his baptism, would conclude peacefully in the Lord, and prayed that his life and footsteps as both an actor and a believer would be remembered for a long time.

Beyond his acting career, his life of long-standing sharing and service has also been brought back into the spotlight. Serving as the honorary chairperson of ChildFund Korea, Choi Bool-am practiced sharing for children in difficult environments for approximately 40 years. He also took the lead in providing cultural and arts education for juvenile inmates and at-risk youth, consistently showing interest in neighbors in need. He treated returning the love he received from the public to society as an important value in his life.

Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick evaluated that the deceased's life, lived by sharing the love received from the public with his neighbors, makes one reflect on the true meaning of love and sharing. He also extended deep condolences to his wife, Kim Min-ja, and the bereaved family, praying that Choi Bool-am would enjoy eternal rest and peace in the arms of the Lord.

Choi Bool-am, who debuted in the 1959 stage play 'Hamlet', gained national love for his roles as Chief Inspector Park Young-han in the MBC series 'Chief Inspector' and Chairman Kim in 'Country Diaries'. He also conveyed the stories of food and people across the country as the long-time host of 'Korean Cuisine and Dining' on KBS1. Along with the numerous works he left as an actor, his dedication to child welfare and youth support makes one look back on the reasons why he was loved by the public.

The deceased's funeral altar was prepared at the Asan Medical Center Funeral Hall. The funeral mass is scheduled to be held at 9:00 a.m. on November 2 at Yeouido Catholic Church, presided over by Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung. The image of the sacrament received in the hospital bed and his wife staying by his side until the end are leaving a deep impression on those mourning the passing of Choi Bool-am.

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