Minister Choi Hwi-young pays tribute to late Choi Bool-am: “A warm memory for each and every citizen”

[Financial News] Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young expressed his condolences following news of actor Choi Bool-am’s death, recalling the makgeolli promise they made during a hospital visit last June.
On the 30th, Minister Choi posted a message on his social media (SNS) titled “Rest in peace, Choi Bool-am, the eternal father of the nation,” and said, “I express my deep sorrow and condolences on the death of Choi Bool-am, the nation’s beloved actor.”
He recalled that during a hospital visit last June, the deceased welcomed him with his characteristic hearty laugh and warmly held his hand, saying, “Let’s have a glass of makgeolli when I’m discharged soon.”
He went on to write, “I cannot hide my heavy heart at having to see you off on your long journey without ever keeping that promise.”
Minister Choi also looked back on the deceased’s signature works. He said, “As the righteous Chief Park in ‘Chief Detective,’ the kind father in ‘Country Diaries,’ and the reassuring guide in ‘Korean Cuisine and Dining,’ you comforted our daily lives for so long.”
He also described the deceased as “a great senior and pillar of support in South Korea’s cultural and artistic community,” honoring him as “a warm memory for each and every citizen across generations.”
Minister Choi prayed for his repose, saying, “With hands clasped, I pray that you, who laughed and cried alongside the people throughout your life, may rest in peace.” He also conveyed his deep condolences to the deceased’s spouse, Kim Min-ja, and the bereaved family.
The deceased died on the 29th, aged 87. He began acting in 1959 in the play ‘Hamlet’ and made his television debut in 1967 in the KBS drama ‘Suyang Daegun.’ He won nationwide affection for his roles as Chief Park Young-han in MBC’s ‘Chief Detective’ and Chairman Kim of Yangchon-ri in ‘Country Diaries.’
‘Chief Detective’ was an investigative drama that aired from 1971 to 1989 and portrayed the joys and sorrows of ordinary people as cases were solved. ‘Country Diaries’ depicted rural life and family stories, airing 1,088 episodes over 22 years, from 1980 to 2002.
The deceased led KBS 1TV’s ‘Korean Cuisine and Dining’ for 14 years, from 2011 through last year. He traveled throughout the country, sharing the lives of ordinary people and regional cultures through food.
Outside broadcasting, he worked to support children and adolescents as chair of ChildFund Korea’s national supporters’ association and chairman of the incorporated association Zero Camp. He took part in broadcasts to help find missing children and assist children with rare and intractable diseases, and helped young inmates return to society. In 2014, he received the Silver Crown Order of Cultural Merit for his contributions to the development of popular culture and the arts.
The funeral altar was set up at the funeral hall of Asan Medical Center. The funeral will be held under the auspices of ChildFund Korea, and the funeral procession is scheduled for November 2.
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