Kim Hye-soo weeps during final farewell to late actor Choi Bool-am

Actress Kim Hye-soo expressed profound grief while bidding farewell to Choi Bool-am, who passed away at age 87 on the 29th of last month. The actress, who viewed the late actor as a parent figure, collapsed in sobs during the funeral procession held on the 2nd.

Actress Kim Hye-soo has expressed profound sadness and gratitude after seeing off the late Choi Bool-am. Having shed tears at both the funeral hall and the funeral procession to bid him a final farewell, Kim later shared a tribute on social media, reflecting on a special bond that spanned many years. The relationship between the two, which went beyond being mere senior and junior colleagues to a level where she relied on him like a parent, is being highlighted once again.

On the 4th, Kim Hye-soo posted a portrait of Choi Bool-am on her social media, writing, "To those who accompanied Teacher Choi Bool-am on his way and to everyone who offered condolences, thank you sincerely." Her short message conveyed deep affection and a sense of loss for the deceased while thanking those who shared in the final farewell.

The connection between Kim Hye-soo and Choi Bool-am dates back to the 1987 KBS drama 'Song of Longing.' At the time, Kim Hye-soo was a first-year high school student thrust into the unfamiliar filming site as a rookie actress, facing significant tension and pressure. Playing the daughter of Kim Min-ja in the production, she took her first steps as an actress while receiving warm care from Kim Min-ja on set. To the young Kim Hye-soo, Kim Min-ja was more than just a fellow actor, acting as a protective figure who embraced her like a daughter.

This bond remained unbroken even after the production ended. Kim Min-ja's husband, Choi Bool-am, also naturally became a family-like figure to Kim Hye-soo. In the January 2021 broadcast of KBS's 'Korean Cuisine and Dining,' Kim Hye-soo spoke of the warm care she received from Kim Min-ja, describing both Choi Bool-am and Kim Min-ja as being like a father and mother to her. This illustrates the depth of a relationship that has lasted for decades in the entertainment industry.

Upon hearing the news of Choi Bool-am's passing, Kim Hye-soo rushed to the funeral hall. Staying by the deceased's side for a long time to say her goodbyes, she could not hide her tears even after leaving the room. Her presence, supporting the bereaved family and participating in the funeral procedures, showed an affection reminiscent of a biological daughter. The sorrow of losing an elder who had nurtured her for many years was clearly evident.

In particular, during the funeral procession, Kim Hye-soo held onto the hearse while weeping, eventually collapsing in sobs, which moved those around her. Her appearance, as if unable to let go of the deceased's final journey, symbolically demonstrated how special the relationship between the two was. The deep sorrow of a single individual behind the glamorous actress moved the hearts of those attending the funeral.

Fellow actor Shin Hyun-joon also joined in the sincere mourning for Kim Hye-soo. He evaluated her, saying, "A person who is truly reliable to be with, the proud fellow actor Kim Hye-soo. A person whose heart for people is as deep and warm as her depth as an actress." He added, "A person who is firmer than anyone else in her own position, but willingly offers her side in the face of someone's pain. I do not know how grateful I am to have such a colleague while walking the same path for a long time." His words shared in Kim Hye-soo's grief while highlighting her human qualities.

Choi Bool-am passed away at the age of 87 on the 29th of last month while receiving hospital treatment in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. The funeral procession was held on the 2nd, and he was laid to rest at Donghwa Gyeongmo Park in Paju, Gyeonggi-do. Colleagues and juniors from the entertainment industry gathered to pay their respects to the final journey of the man who had been loved as a national actor for decades.

Actors who had formed connections through 'Country Diaries' also attended the funeral. However, it was reported that Kim Yong-gun was unable to attend as he is approximately one month away from his son Ha Jung-woo's wedding. The funeral attire of Kim Ji-young, who was beloved as Bok-gil in the drama, also drew attention. The passing of the national actor Choi Bool-am evokes memories of an era while revealing the deep affection and longing of those who were with him.

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