Kim Hye-soo shows devotion at funeral of late actor Choi Bool-am

Actress Kim Hye-soo assisted the family of the late Choi Bool-am at the Asan Medical Center Funeral Hall, where she was seen tidying mourners' shoes and supporting his wife, Kim Min-ja. The bond between the actress and the late 87-year-old actor began in 1987 during the drama 'Song of Longing.'

The extraordinary devotion shown by actress Kim Hye-soo at the funeral of the late Choi Bool-am is touching the hearts of mourners. She was seen personally tidying the shoes left by visitors, supporting the late actor's wife, Kim Min-ja, and weeping while embracing senior actress Go Doo-shim. Her presence, guarding the funeral hall as closely as the chief mourners, reveals the deep, long-standing bond she shared with the couple.

Videos released through YouTube channels such as 'Media Mongu' and 'Media Pixel' capture Kim Hye-soo at the funeral hall of the late Choi Bool-am, located at the Asan Medical Center Funeral Hall. Dressed in black formal attire, she did more than just greet visitors; she was seen moving meticulously throughout the hall to attend to various needs.

In particular, scenes of her kneeling to personally organize the shoes left by mourners drew significant attention. She was also captured bowing deeply at a 90-degree angle to welcome those who came to pay their respects. Her respectful treatment of every individual visiting to mourn the deceased reflects her sincere condolences.

Her care for the late actor's wife, Kim Min-ja, was especially notable. Kim Hye-soo stayed by Kim Min-ja's side as she left the funeral hall, supporting her and even wrapping a scarf around her to ensure her comfort. Her actions in looking after the bereaved family member suggest a relationship that goes far beyond that of mere professional colleagues.

She also shared deep sorrow with senior actors visiting the hall. Upon greeting Youn Yuh-jung and Go Doo-shim, Kim Hye-soo embraced Go Doo-shim after her condolences were finished, burying her face in the senior actress while shedding tears. Go Doo-shim comforted her by holding Kim Hye-soo's hands tightly. The embrace and tears expressed a sense of loss shared by actors who have lived through the same era together.

The connection between Kim Hye-soo and the late Choi Bool-am began in 1987 with the drama 'Song of Longing.' At that time, Kim Hye-soo played the role of the daughter to Kim Min-ja, and through that work, she maintained a special relationship with the couple for a long time. She regarded Choi Bool-am as a biological father, even calling him "Father." The professional relationship evolved into a bond close to that of a family over the years.

This special relationship was previously revealed on broadcast. Appearing on the 10th-anniversary special of the KBS 1TV program 'Korean Cuisine and Dining' in 2021, Kim Hye-soo revealed that she keeps text messages received from Choi Bool-am. She expressed her affection, stating, "Mr. Choi Bool-am's texts are always like poetry," adding, "I sometimes save all the texts that come from him. When I receive them, I look at them again and again. It makes me feel so good."

The messages revealed at the time included his concern for her during a long-distance flight ahead of her overseas schedule, advising her to get plenty of rest. Along with warm greetings, Choi Bool-am added, "Then go ahead. I want to hear the story of the dreams Hye-soo had." Even in those short sentences, the warmth of an elder who meticulously remembers and waits for someone's daily life was evident, explaining why Kim Hye-soo has cherished those messages for so long.

Choi Bool-am passed away at the age of 87 on the 29th while receiving hospital treatment. The funeral was held at the Asan Medical Center Funeral Hall, with the funeral procession scheduled for November 2. The burial site is Donghwa Gyeongmo Park in Paju, Gyeonggi-do.

Kim Hye-soo's actions at the funeral hall appear to be both a tribute to the deceased and a final expression of gratitude to an elder who cherished her for a long time. Rather than the image of an actress remembered by glamorous works and numerous titles, her presence as someone guarding the funeral hall like a daughter—organizing shoes and looking after the bereaved—leaves a deeper impression.

Read the original (Korean)