'Beloved Father Figure' Choi Bool-am Laid to Rest After Three Days of Tearful Farewells

Funeral procession held in sorrow as younger colleagues stay by his side to the end

Actor 'Choi Bool-am', admired by the public for portraying one of Korea's most iconic father figures, has been laid to rest. The funeral procession for the actor, who died on the 29th of last month, was held privately at 7:40 a.m. on the 2nd at the funeral hall of Seoul Asan Medical Center, in accordance with his family's wishes.

As the procession began, led by the portrait of the deceased, those in attendance struggled to contain their grief. His wife, Kim Min-ja, wept inconsolably as Kim Hye-soo supported her. Kim Hye-soo, who had long regarded him as a father, stayed at the funeral home for three days starting on the first day of the funeral, comforting the family. Broadcaster Kim Kyung-ran also repeatedly bowed her head and wiped away tears.

Wave of tributes from all walks of life, a dignified farewell

Broadcaster Ahn Hyun-mo and actors Song Il-kook and Jung Joon-ho, among others, followed the procession with solemn expressions. Actor Shin Hyun-joon in particular remained alone, bowing his head to bid farewell to the revered elder, until both the hearse and the bus carrying mourners had fully departed.

The procession moved to Yeouido Catholic Church, where Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung officiated the funeral Mass. Popera tenor Lim Hyung-joo performed “Ave Maria” in tribute. Then, at 10:40 a.m., a farewell ceremony was held at the headquarters of 'Green Umbrella Children’s Foundation', to which the actor had devoted 45 years. As staff members lined up and laid flowers, the portrait of the deceased made one last circuit of the foundation before heading to the burial site, Donghwa Gyeongmo Park in Paju, Gyeonggi Province.

A 66.9% ratings phenomenon that captivated TV audiences, a remarkable legacy

Throughout the funeral, visitors from the arts and culture sectors, as well as political and business circles, continued to pay their respects. Kim Hye-ja, who played his wife for 22 years in 'Country Diaries', joined fellow cast members Yoo In-chon, Go Doo-shim, the married couple Kim Ji-young and Nam Sung-jin, Im Ho and Lee Gye-in in mourning. Actors from different generations, including Yoon Yeo-jeong, Na Moon-hee, Park Geun-hyung, Kang Boo-ja, Song Seung-heon and Lee Je-hoon, also visited the funeral home to pay tribute.

Political and business leaders also came to pay their respects. Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun visited to honor the deceased. The government posthumously awarded him the Order of Cultural Merit, Gold Crown, in recognition of his contributions to Korean broadcasting history.

A master of film and television who lived a life of giving

The actor earned the title 'beloved father figure' through warm, humane characters: Chief Park Young-han in MBC's 'Chief Inspector', which aired for 18 years; Chairman Kim of Yangchon-ri in 'Country Diaries', which ran for 22 years; and Captain Park in 'You and I', which posted a peak rating of 66.9%. He also became a familiar presence in viewers' everyday lives as the host of 'Korean Table'.

Beyond acting, he championed social causes, serving as national chair of the 'Green Umbrella Children’s Foundation' supporters' association, among other roles. In 2024, he became the first civilian appointed honorary chief of the National Office of Investigation, in recognition of his contributions to enhancing the standing of the police. His health deteriorated after surgery for a herniated disc last year, and he ultimately passed away, but the warm legacy he left behind will live on in the hearts of the public.