Choi Bool-am Dies After Receiving Last Rites From Cardinal Andrew Soo-jung Yeom at His Hospital Bed

The final journey of the eternal “national father,” a special bond forged through faith

Beloved actor Choi Bool-am (born Choi Young-han) died on the 29th at the age of 87. News that he received the Anointing of the Sick from Cardinal Andrew Soo-jung Yeom shortly before his death has moved many.

According to Catholic and broadcasting industry sources on the 30th, Cardinal Andrew Soo-jung Yeom visited Choi in person on the afternoon of the 20th at a hospital in Seoul’s Gangseo District, several days before his death. The cardinal administered the Anointing of the Sick, a rite that seeks grace and comfort for a seriously ill believer, and prayed for Choi’s peace. At the time, Choi Bool-am was not critically ill; he was well enough to talk with nurses and hum a song. His health later deteriorated rapidly, and he eventually passed away, according to reports.

The pair’s special spiritual bond dates back to 2018. Choi Bool-am began practicing his faith after being baptized into the Catholic Church in October 2018, with Cardinal Andrew Soo-jung Yeom officiating. Long devoted to caring for disadvantaged neighbors, Choi chose “Francis” as his baptismal name in honor of the saint of Assisi.

The baptism was also a renewal of vows with his wife and fellow actor, Kim Min-ja, who had joined the church first, in 1990, giving the occasion added significance. Kim Hye-soo, a younger actor who played Choi’s daughter in the drama “Samogok” and remained close to him over the years, was also there to offer congratulations. Shortly after his baptism, Choi spoke sincerely about the occasion: “I have committed many sins, knowingly and unknowingly, over the course of my life. I am grateful to the cardinal and all the faithful for giving me the chance to live a new life.”

Cardinal Andrew Soo-jung Yeom is also scheduled to personally preside over Choi’s funeral Mass on Nov. 2, before the funeral procession, to bid him farewell on his final journey.

Meanwhile, Choi Bool-am, who had spent a long time in rehabilitation after undergoing surgery for a herniated disc last March, died at around 10 p.m. on the 29th. His wake is being held in Room 20 of the funeral hall at Asan Medical Center in Seoul, and the funeral will last five days. In recognition of his lifelong dedication to improving the welfare of children and teenagers, the funeral will be held under the name of ChildFund Korea. The funeral procession is scheduled for 7 a.m. on the 2nd.