Actor Kim Yong-gun skips funeral of late Choi Bool-am, who played his father for 20 years

Actor Kim Yong-gun has found himself at the center of an unexpected controversy after it was revealed that he did not attend the funeral of the late Choi Bool-am, with whom he played father and son in dramas for more than 20 years. As news spread that he avoided the funeral due to his son Ha Jung-woo's upcoming wedding, online reactions have been divided, with many finding it difficult to understand the decision. Debates continue regarding the background of why he did not bid farewell to a senior colleague with whom he had maintained a relationship like family for many years.

On the 31st of last month, actor Baek Il-seob visited the funeral hall for Choi Bool-am at Asan Medical Center in Songpa-gu, Seoul, to pay his respects. Speaking to reporters after paying his condolences, Baek recalled his relationship with the deceased, stating, "We used to meet once or two months and have dinner and a glass of soju." He added that Kim Yong-gun, Lee Kye-in, himself, and Choi Bool-am were four people who frequently met privately over a long period.

During this process, the reason for Kim Yong-gun's absence from the funeral was also disclosed. Baek Il-seob explained, "Yong-gun should have come, but his son is getting married next month. It seems he said it was a bit much to go to a funeral when he is getting married." Baek added that he received a contact from Kim Yong-gun saying, "It's a bit much," to which Baek responded, "Then don't come." This implies that Kim felt burdened by attending a funeral given the circumstances of his son's upcoming wedding.

Kim Yong-gun's son, actor Ha Jung-woo, is scheduled to marry actress Cha Jung-won on December 13. It is interpreted that traditional notions or superstitions regarding avoiding funerals when a family member is about to marry influenced the decision. However, this information was conveyed by Baek Il-seob, and Kim Yong-gun has not officially stated the reason for his inability to pay his respects.

The issue is that once these circumstances became known, criticism intensified online. Netizens reacted with comments such as, "I am truly disappointed," "There is still a month left," "They were close like family for decades," "At first, I thought the wedding was the next day," "Why on earth do you believe in superstition," and "It's not even right next to the wedding date, so it's a bit much." Opinions are clashing between those who believe the family's situation regarding the upcoming wedding should be considered and those who believe paying respects should take priority given the long-standing relationship.

The bond between the two men carries meaning beyond being mere fellow actors. From 1980 to 2002, Kim Yong-gun and Choi Bool-am played Chairman Kim and his eldest son Kim Yong-jin, respectively, in the MBC national drama 'Country Diaries.' Having worked together as father and son for over 20 years, they presented a familiar image to viewers as if they were an actual family. The news of his absence is drawing even more attention because they were colleagues and seniors/juniors who worked together on a single production for a long time.

Their relationship continued even after the drama ended. According to Baek Il-seob's explanation, Choi Bool-am, Kim Yong-gun, Lee Kye-in, and Baek Il-seob were close enough to meet every one or two months for meals and drinks. Given that the relationship formed through broadcasting continued outside of the work, the passing of Choi Bool-am appears to have been a special loss for them.

However, caution is needed regarding the judgment surrounding Kim Yong-gun's absence. The current circumstances are reported through Baek Il-seob's interview, and no direct explanation or additional position from Kim Yong-gun himself has been confirmed. It is currently difficult to conclude whether the choice was made considering the customary concerns of a family with an upcoming wedding or if there were other circumstances. The criticism raised online can be seen as a reflection of public sentiment regarding the act of paying respects and the view of long-standing friendships.

As reported, reactions range from understanding it as an old custom to finding it hard to accept because of "mere superstition." Since determining which judgment is correct depends on individual ideologies, lifestyles, and perceptions, it seems difficult to make a hasty conclusion.

Choi Bool-am passed away on the 29th of last month at the age of 87. He was loved as a national actor for many years through roles such as Chief Inspector Park Young-han in the MBC 'Chief Inspector' and Chairman Kim in 'Country Diaries.' The funeral procession will be held on the morning of the 2nd, and the burial site is Donghwa Gyeongmo Park. The relationship between the two actors, who remained in the memories of viewers as a family on television for decades, is being highlighted again amidst the controversy surrounding the deceased's final journey.

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