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South Korean actor Choi Bool-am dies at 87
Renowned South Korean actor Choi Bool-am, widely celebrated as the “nation’s father,” passed away on October 29, 2026, at the age of 87. He died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Seoul’s Gangseo district following a decline in health after spinal surgery in March.
Choi’s career spanned nearly seven decades, beginning with a 1959 stage production of “Hamlet.” He achieved legendary status through iconic roles, including Detective Park Young-han in the police procedural “Chief Inspector” (1971–1989) and the patriarch Kim Hoe-jang in the long-running family drama “Country Diaries” (1980–2002). He also hosted the documentary series “Korean Cuisine and Dining” for 14 years.
Beyond acting, Choi was a dedicated philanthropist, serving as the national supporter chairman for the ChildFund Korea (formerly Green Umbrella Children’s Foundation) for over 40 years. His funeral is being conducted by the foundation.
Following his death, numerous figures from the entertainment, political, and business sectors offered condolences. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung expressed his grief on social media, honoring Choi as a figure who stood by the people for many years. The government posthumously awarded him the Order of Cultural Merit, Gold Crown.
His funeral service will be held at the Seoul Asan Medical Center, with a memorial mass scheduled for November 2 at Yeouido Catholic Church. He will be laid to rest at the Donghwa Gyeongmo Park in Paju.
Entities
ChildFund Korea · Choi Bool-am · Choi Bul-am · KBS · Kim Min-ja · Lee Jae-myung · MBC · Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism · National Investigation Headquarters · Oh Se-hoon · Seoul · Seoul Asan Medical Center
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 10 SOURCES] He died at a hospital in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. www.imaeil.com · www.bjynews.com · www.dongponews.net · www.incheonilbo.com · www.namdonews.com · +3 more
- [● 8 SOURCES] Choi Bul-am passed away on October 29 at approximately 10:00 PM. www.imaeil.com · www.bjynews.com · www.dongponews.net · www.incheonilbo.com · www.epochtimes.com · +1 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] He hosted the KBS 1TV program ‘Korean Food Table’ for 14 years. www.imaeil.com · www.bjynews.com · www.dongponews.net · www.incheonilbo.com · www.namdonews.com
- [● 7 SOURCES] Choi Bul-am was a member of the 14th National Assembly in 1992. www.imaeil.com · www.dongponews.net · www.incheonilbo.com · www.namdonews.com · www.stheadline.com
- [● 9 SOURCES] Choi Bul-am was 87 years old at the time of his death. www.imaeil.com · www.bjynews.com · www.dongponews.net · www.incheonilbo.com · www.stheadline.com · +2 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] His surviving family includes his wife Kim Min-ja and children Dong-nyeok and Dong-bi. www.imaeil.com · www.bjynews.com · www.dongponews.net · www.incheonilbo.com · www.namdonews.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] He was appointed as an honorary head of the National Investigation Headquarters in 2024. www.imaeil.com · www.bjynews.com · www.namdonews.com
- [● 9 SOURCES] Choi Bul-am underwent spinal disc surgery in March of last year. www.imaeil.com · www.bjynews.com · www.dongponews.net · www.incheonilbo.com · www.stheadline.com · +2 more