Choi Soo-jong pays tribute to the late Choi Bool-am: “I was happy and grateful beneath your shadow, Teacher”

[Financial News] Actor Choi Soo-jong bid a final farewell to the late Choi Bool-am, expressing his respect and gratitude.
On the 30th, Choi Soo-jong posted a tribute on his social media along with a photo of the deceased. He honored him as “the teacher who, throughout his life, went beyond the title of actor and deeply revered and cherished the hard work of our neighbors across South Korea and the lives lived around their tables.”
He went on to write, “I was truly happy and grateful that we could cry and laugh together beneath the great shadow of a teacher.” Finally, he said, “I pray that God’s comfort and peace be with you,” and expressed his deep affection by repeating the words “I love you” three times.
Last year, Choi Soo-jong took over as host of KBS1 TV’s Korean Cuisine and Dining, succeeding Choi Bool-am. Choi Bool-am led the program for 14 years, starting with its first broadcast in 2011, sharing food from across the country and the lives of the neighbors woven into it.
At a press conference last April for the 700th episode of Korean Cuisine and Dining, Choi Soo-jong had also expressed his respect for his senior colleague, saying, “I’ll be careful not to tread on my teacher’s shadow as I follow in his footsteps.” This tribute, recalling “the great shadow of a teacher,” conveys the heartfelt affection of a junior colleague who has carried on his legacy.
Meanwhile, Choi Bool-am passed away at around 10 p.m. on the 29th while receiving inpatient treatment at a hospital in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Choi was 87. Choi had worked hard at rehabilitation following surgery for a herniated disc in March last year, but Choi’s health reportedly deteriorated sharply recently.
[email protected] Shin Jin-a Reporter