Veteran Actor Choi Bool-am, Known as 'National Father,' Passes Away at 87

Veteran actor Choi Bool-am, whose real name was Choi Young-han, has passed away, leaving a significant mark on the history of Korean drama. Known as the 'National Father' and the 'Eternal Chief of Investigation,' his death has brought great sorrow to the entertainment industry.

According to the broadcasting industry, Choi Bool-am died at around 10 p.m. on October 29 at a hospital in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, at the age of 87. He had been hospitalized following a herniated disc surgery last year, which left him with mobility issues. He stepped down from KBS 1TV's 'Korean Table,' a show he had been part of for 14 years, in 2011. Afterward, he focused on rehabilitation, but his health reportedly deteriorated rapidly in recent weeks.

Born in 1939 in the Jemulpo district of Incheon, Choi Bool-am began his acting career after attending Seoul Central High School, Seorabeol University, and Hanyang University’s Theater and Film Department. Initially aspiring to be a director, he made his debut in 1959 with the play 'Hamlet' by the Experimental Theater Company and began his formal acting career in 1965 as a member of the National Theater Company.

His connection with television began in 1967 when he was selected as a talent for Seoul Central Broadcasting (now KBS). In his twenties, he gained recognition for his role as the elderly Kim Jong-seo in the drama 'Suyangdaegun,' leading to a prolific acting career.

Two of his most notable works are MBC's 'Chief of Investigation' (1971-1984, 1985-1989) and 'Country Diary' (1980-2002). In 'Chief of Investigation,' he portrayed the compassionate yet sharp-witted Chief Park Young-han, establishing a foundation for Korean crime dramas over 18 years. His contributions to enhancing the police image earned him the title of honorary police officer in 1972, and in 2024, he became the first civilian to be appointed as an honorary head of the National Investigation Agency.

In 'Country Diary,' he played Chairman Kim from Yangchon-ri for an impressive 22 years. Partnering with fellow actress Kim Hye-ja, he perfectly embodied the traditional image of a Korean father, solidifying his status as a beloved actor. He also created memorable characters in various other productions, including 'You and I' (1997-1998) as Captain Park.

Throughout his 67-year acting career, Choi Bool-am took on diverse roles across genres and scales. At just 30, he played an elderly character in MBC's inaugural drama 'Backlash' (1969), and in his 40s, he portrayed former President Syngman Rhee in 'The First Republic' (1981-1982) and 'The Second Republic' (1989-1990). He was a central figure in numerous hit dramas, including 'Eyes of Dawn,' 'The Widow,' 'Hero Era,' 'Palace,' and 'The Gourmet.'

Choi also left a significant impact on the film industry, appearing in notable films such as 'Manjong' (1970), 'The Era of Youngja' (1975), 'I Really Really Like You' (1978), 'Happy Our Young Days' (1987), 'Don't Mess with Me' (2004), and 'Undercover' (2005). In 2018, he returned to the stage for the first time in 25 years with the play 'When the Wind Blows and the Stars Shake,' and recently made a special appearance in the prequel drama 'Chief of Investigation 1958,' touching many hearts.

Beyond acting, he made a lasting impression as a host on KBS's 'Good Country Movement Headquarters' from 1999 to 2008. His down-to-earth charm and signature laugh, often accompanied by a hearty 'Paha~,' endeared him to the public, leading to the popularity of the 'Choi Bool-am Series' humor collection in the 1990s.

His connections with the political realm were also noteworthy. Encouraged by the late Chung Ju-yung, honorary chairman of Hyundai Group, he served as a proportional representative member of the National Assembly for the Unification National Party in 1992. After losing in the 15th general election, he returned to his acting career in 1996.

Choi Bool-am dedicated his life to the advancement of the arts and culture, receiving numerous accolades, including the Baeksang Arts Awards for Best Actor in TV and Theater, and the Best Actor award at the Daejong Film Awards. He was also honored with the National Medal of Merit in 1998 and the Silver Crown Cultural Medal in 2014 for his contributions to the arts. He devoted his life to charitable activities, serving as the national chairman of the Green Umbrella Children's Foundation, helping underprivileged neighbors and children.

His lifelong devotion to his wife is well-known. He fell in love at first sight with fellow actress Kim Min-ja and, after four years of courtship, they married in 1970.

Having been a steadfast presence in households for decades, Choi Bool-am leaves behind a legacy of countless masterpieces and a warm smile. He is survived by his wife Kim Min-ja, son Dong-yeok, and daughter Dong-bi.