Choi Bool-am, iconic South Korean actor, passes away at 87

Renowned South Korean actor Choi Bool-am, widely regarded as the ‘nation’s father,’ has passed away at the age of 87. He died on October 29 while receiving treatment for health complications following spinal surgery.

Funeral services and a memorial mass were held in Seoul, attended by numerous figures from the entertainment, political, and business sectors. Notable attendees included actress Kim Hye-soo, who maintained a close presence by the family throughout the mourning period, as well as actors Shin Hyun-joon, Jung Joon-ho, and Song Il-kook. The memorial mass at Yeouido Cathedral was presided over by Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung.

Choi’s career spanned 67 years, with legendary roles in series such as ‘Chief Inspector’ and the long-running family drama ‘Country Diaries.’ Beyond his acting, he was a dedicated philanthropist, serving as the national fundraising chairman for the ChildFund Korea (Green Umbrella Children's Foundation) since 1985. In recognition of his contributions to the development of Korean television, the government posthumously awarded him the Order of Cultural Merit (Gold Crown).