Veteran actor Choi Bool-am dies at 87

Renowned actor Choi Bool-am passed away at a Seoul hospital around 10 p.m. on the 29th following a rapid deterioration in health. The "Nation's Father" had been undergoing rehabilitation after spinal disc surgery last March, which had previously forced his departure from the KBS 1TV program 'Korean Cuisine and Dining.'

Actor Choi Bool-am (born Choi Young-han) passed away at approximately 10 p.m. on the 29th while receiving treatment at a hospital in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. He was 87 years old. According to broadcasting industry sources on the 30th, Choi's mobility became difficult after undergoing spinal disc surgery last March, leading to his departure from the KBS 1TV current affairs and educational program 'Korean Cuisine and Dining,' which he had hosted for 14 years since 2011. Although he had been focusing on rehabilitation, his health reportedly deteriorated rapidly.

Known to viewers for a long time as Chief Park Yeong-han in 'Chief Inspector' and Chairman Kim in 'Country Diaries,' he was called the "Nation's Father" through his work as both a drama actor and a host of educational programs.

From the stage to television acting

Choi Bool-am was born in Jemulpo District, Incheon, in 1939. At that time, Jemulpo District was part of Dong District, and his birth year on the family registry is 1940. After graduating from Joongang High School, he studied at Seorabeol College of Arts and the theater and film department of Hanyang University. Dreaming of becoming a director, he made his debut in 1959 with the play 'Hamlet' by the theater company 'Experimental Theater Society.' After starting his acting career on stage, he continued his professional acting activities as a member of the National Theater Company of Korea in 1965. His path of expanding from stage activities to broadcasting formed the early part of his acting career.

He first entered television dramas in 1967, when he was selected as a 6th special recruitment talent for Seoul Central Broadcasting (now KBS). In his 20s, he appeared in the drama 'Grand Prince Suyang,' playing the role of the elderly Kim Jong-seo. He subsequently met the public through various genres of drama and was particularly widely known for his characters in long-running series. In the MBC drama 'Chief Inspector,' which began in 1971, he played Chief Park Yeong-han, and in 'Country Diaries,' which began in 1980, he appeared as Chairman Kim of Yangchon-ri. These two works continued until 1989 and 2002, respectively.

Chief Park Yeong-han in 'Chief Inspector' and Chairman Kim in 'Country Diaries'

One of Choi's representative works, the MBC drama 'Chief Inspector,' aired from 1971 to 1984 and continued again from 1985 to 1989. He played the role of Chief Park Yeong-han in this production. The drama has been introduced as the progenitor of the Korean-style investigative genre, and Choi gained nationwide popularity through the work, which spanned 18 years. The fact that the work aired across two periods remains a major career milestone that links his name with the character Chief Park.

In the MBC drama 'Country Diaries,' which aired from 1980 to 2002, he played Chairman Kim of Yangchon-ri. This 22-year production has been introduced as the longest-running drama in the country. In addition to 'Country Diaries' and 'Chief Inspector,' Choi appeared as Captain Park in the MBC drama 'You and I,' which aired from 1997 to 1998. While the characters and broadcast periods differed across works, he made his name known to viewers by playing major roles in long-running dramas.

Meeting viewers as a host of educational programs

While active as a drama actor, Choi also participated in broadcasting for a long time as a host of current affairs and educational programs. From 1999 to 2008, he hosted the KBS current affairs investigative program 'Campaign Headquarters for a Better Country.' Later, from 2011, he took charge of KBS 1TV's 'Korean Cuisine and Dining.' He continued hosting the program for 14 years until his departure last year. Following his appearances in long-running dramas, he met viewers regularly through hosting educational programs.

In 'Korean Cuisine and Dining,' Choi led the program from 2011 until last year. He stepped down from the program due to mobility issues following his spinal disc surgery and has since been focusing on rehabilitation. His trademark was said to be his signature laugh, tilting his head back and saying, "Paha~." Along with his long-standing image of being down-to-earth and unpretentious formed through his long career in broadcasting, this laugh was known as a friendly image that spanned generations. His activities as a program host, in addition to his drama characters, were part of his broadcasting career.

Rehabilitation after surgery... spotlighting his acting life in a documentary this year

Choi Bool-am underwent spinal disc surgery last March. Following the surgery, his mobility became difficult, leading to his departure from 'Korean Cuisine and Dining,' after which he focused on rehabilitation. He passed away at approximately 10 p.m. on the 29th while receiving treatment at a hospital in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. As of the 30th, when the news of his death was announced, he was 87 years old.

In May this year, the MBC documentary 'Paha, I'm Choi Bool-am,' which covers his 60-year acting career, was released in two parts. Although it was originally reported that Choi would appear in the documentary, he did not stand before the camera due to a request from his family, who wanted him to focus on his rehabilitation treatment. The documentary was released capturing his acting life, though Choi himself did not appear. The release occurred in May, prior to his passing.

After appearing on stage in the play 'Hamlet,' Choi moved through the National Theater Company of Korea and television dramas to participate in long-running dramas and educational programs. His roles and hosting in 'Chief Inspector,' 'Country Diaries,' 'Campaign Headquarters for a Better Country,' and 'Korean Cuisine and Dining' remain part of his broadcasting history. The documentary released this year contains his 60-year acting life.

Read the original (Korean)