Choi Soo-jong pays tribute to late 'Korean Cuisine and Dining' host Choi Bool-am

Actor Choi Soo-jong honored the late Choi Bool-am on social media on the 30th following the actor's death at age 87 in Seoul. Choi Soo-jong, who replaced the senior actor as host of 'Korean Cuisine and Dining' after Choi Bool-am stepped down last March, expressed deep gratitude for the man who hosted the program for 14 years.

Actor Choi Soo-jong has expressed deep respect and a heartfelt farewell to the late Choi Bool-am. Choi Soo-jong, who has taken over hosting the KBS1 program 'Korean Cuisine and Dining' following his senior, commemorated the deceased while reflecting on the significance of the program that Choi Bool-am protected throughout his life. The message from the junior actor, who stepped into the void left by Choi Bool-am—who captured the lives and dining tables of Korean neighbors through the camera for a long time—conveyed a deep resonance.

On the 30th, Choi Soo-jong posted a photo of Choi Bool-am on his social media account along with a tribute. He described the deceased as "a teacher who, beyond the name of an actor for a lifetime, most deeply revered and cherished the sweat and the lives on the dining tables of Korean neighbors." He expressed profound respect not only for his professional achievements as an actor but also for the late actor's attitude of respecting the lives of ordinary people and listening to their stories.

He continued, "I was truly happy and grateful to be able to laugh and cry under your great shadow, Teacher." The short sentences contained the gratitude toward a senior actor who had received public love for a long time, as well as the regret that they can no longer be together.

The connection between the two is made even more special by 'Korean Cuisine and Dining.' Since 2011, Choi Bool-am hosted the KBS1 program 'Korean Cuisine and Dining,' introducing food from all over the country and the lives of the people within it. Rather than simply tasting regional foods, he became a symbolic face of the program by warmly conveying the labor involved in preparing a meal, the history of families, and the memories of local communities.

However, Choi Bool-am stepped down from the program he had hosted for 14 years due to health reasons after undergoing spinal disc surgery last March. Choi Soo-jong stepped up as the new host in his stead. Inheriting the identity of the program built by his senior over many years, Choi Soo-jong is conveying the dining tables of the country and the stories of the people within them. This tribute goes beyond a simple farewell between senior and junior actors, looking back at the special bond connected through the program.

Choi Bool-am was loved by the nation for works that left a distinct mark on Korean broadcasting history, such as Chief Inspector Park in 'Chief Inspector' and Chairman Kim in 'Country Diaries.' His image as a steadfast yet human detective and a warm patriarch embracing family and neighbors has been remembered by viewers for many generations. Later, through 'Korean Cuisine and Dining,' he communicated with the public in another way by visiting lives across the country as a host rather than an actor.

Choi Bool-am passed away on the 29th at around 10 p.m. while receiving treatment at a hospital in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, due to deteriorating health. He was 87 years old. Following the news of the passing of the national actor who guarded the living rooms for many years, tributes are continuing from fellow entertainers, politicians, and viewers. The funeral altar has been prepared at the Asan Medical Center funeral hall, and the funeral will be held with the head of ChildFund Korea.

Choi Soo-jong's tribute message brings to mind the legacy of acting and broadcasting left by Choi Bool-am. In particular, the fact that a junior is now continuing the 'Korean Cuisine and Dining' program that the deceased guided for a long time makes the meaning of broadcasting that connects generations even clearer. Choi Soo-jong's short but heavy farewell contains the hope that the warm gaze and respect for people left by his senior will continue to be conveyed through the program.

Read the original (Korean)