Industry colleagues mourn passing of 'Nation's Father' Choi Bool-am

Actor Choi Bool-am, known as the "Nation's Father," passed away at a hospital in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, at approximately 10:00 p.m. on the 29th. The 87-year-old veteran, who starred in long-running series such as 'Country Diaries,' is being remembered by colleagues for his warmth and iconic presence in Korean media.

Tributes are pouring in from juniors in the culture and arts community following the death of actor Choi Bool-am, who was known as the "Nation's Father" and guarded the living rooms of Korea for decades. Having portrayed righteous and warm elders in his works, the deceased was also a senior who would greet juniors with a smile and offer warm encouragement. As news of the passing of the actor, who held a long-standing place in the public memory, spread, colleagues and juniors who shared ties with him expressed deep sorrow.

According to broadcasting industry sources on the 30th, Choi Bool-am passed away at approximately 10:00 p.m. on the 29th while receiving treatment at a hospital in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. He was 87 years old. Following the sudden news, figures in the culture and arts industry who worked with him or maintained personal relationships are sharing their memories and expressing condolences.

Composer Yoon Il-sang posted a tribute on his social media on this day along with a photo of Choi Bool-am. "The eternal Nation's Father, Teacher Choi Bool-am," he wrote, adding, "Because he was always by our side since my childhood, it felt as if he would be with us forever." He expressed that because his face was so familiar through television over the years, the parting felt unreal.

Yoon Il-sang reflected on the significance the deceased left to the public by recalling his representative works one by one. "As the righteous chief in 'Chief Inspector' and the warm, reliable father in 'Country Diaries,' Teacher was a part of our lives for a long time," he memorialized, stating, "His characteristic hearty laughter, deep and warm voice, and the affection for humanity contained within them will not be forgotten even as time passes."

He added, "He was not just someone who acted out an era, but someone who lived through an era with us and left warmth in all our hearts." This signifies that beyond his filmography as an actor, he was a presence that shared the daily lives and emotions of an era. The tribute shows that the characters played by Choi Bool-am went beyond simple fictional roles to become like real family or neighbors in the memories of viewers.

Popera tenor Lim Hyung-joo, who maintained a special relationship with the deceased like family, also expressed his grief. Having been close to Choi Bool-am and his wife, actress Kim Min-ja, calling them "uncle" and "aunt" respectively, he wrote on social media, "Respected and beloved Uncle Choi Bool-am. I cannot believe it. Only tears flow." As their relationship went beyond being senior and junior in the entertainment industry to being like family, the difficulty of accepting the sudden parting was clearly conveyed.

Lim Hyung-joo expressed his sorrow while recalling a hospital visit a few months ago. "I did not know that the greeting during my visit a few months ago would be the final farewell," he stated, adding, "He always cherished my songs and came to my recitals. I am deeply grateful for the good words he always gave to advise me." He further added, "Thank you so much for being a warm father to many citizens." This highlights the warm side of the deceased, who supported and encouraged his junior's activities even outside the stage.

Actor Kim Hyuk also mourned by sharing special memories with Choi Bool-am. Having played the role of Yelü Longxu in the KBS2 drama 'Korea–Khitan War,' he shared via social media, "The passing of the Nation's Actor, Teacher Choi Bool-am. It is so sad. It is heartbreaking." Although the two did not work on a project together, he cherished the memory that whenever he encountered Choi Bool-am at the broadcasting station and greeted him first, Choi would welcome him with a smile.

Recalling the "warm face that would smile and accept anyone who greeted him first," Kim Hyuk memorialized, "Thanks to Teacher, all the citizens of the Republic of Korea were happy in front of the TV." He also prayed for the deceased to rest in peace, mentioning Kim Sang-soon, Nam Sung-hoon, and Jo Kyung-hwan, who worked together in 'Chief Inspector.' This once again revealed the human side of the deceased, who opened his heart even to a junior with whom he had not worked.

The procession of tributes continues online. Netizens are remembering the deceased by recalling his roles as Chief Park Young-han in 'Chief Inspector,' Chairman Kim in 'Country Diaries,' and his work as the host of 'Korean Cuisine and Dining.' In particular, there are continuous reactions missing his characteristic hearty laughter, comfortable voice, and heavy yet warm atmosphere. The presence he left in popular culture becomes even clearer as viewers from different generations talk about Choi Bool-am in their respective memories.

Born in Incheon in 1939, Choi Bool-am began his acting career with the stage play 'Hamlet' in 1959. He later gained public popularity playing the role of the righteous Chief Park Young-han in MBC's 'Chief Inspector,' and stayed with viewers for 22 years as Chairman Kim of Yangchon-ri in 'Country Diaries.' He also showcased acting that spanned eras and genres in various works such as 'You and I,' 'Eyes of Dawn,' 'Age of Heroes,' 'Princess Hours,' and 'Gourmet.'

Since 2011, he met viewers with a different, friendly charm from his acting stage as the host of KBS1's 'Korean Cuisine and Dining.' He became an iconic face of the program by calmly delivering the food from various parts of the country and the lives of the people contained within them. It was a time that showed both his weight as an actor and the warmth of a host listening to stories of daily life.

The funeral altar for Choi Bool-am was prepared at the Asan Medical Center Funeral Hall, and he began receiving general mourners from 10:00 a.m. on the 30th. Juniors are seeing off the deceased, who represented an era, with their respective memories. He was a father to the nation on screen and a warm senior who would smile first to juniors on set. The works, voice, and warmth he left engraved in people's hearts are expected to be remembered for a long time.

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