Minister Choi Hwi-young pays respects to late Choi Bool-am: “Heartbroken that the promise went unfulfilled”

[Financial News] Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Choi Hwi-young visited the funeral altar of the late actor Choi Bool-am (born Choi Young-han) to pay his respects and, on behalf of the government, presented the bereaved family with the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit, awarded to Choi posthumously. The minister paid tribute to Choi, recalling a promise they had made during a hospital visit in June.
On the 30th, Minister Choi said at the funeral hall of Asan Medical Center in Seoul’s Songpa District, “When I visited you four months ago, you welcomed me warmly with a bright smile. It is so heartbreaking.” He continued, “You said we should have a glass of makgeolli after you were discharged, and I had been looking forward to that day. But you left us far too soon and so suddenly. It’s heartbreaking that you couldn’t keep our promise.”
He also said, “I just made a drink offering to him and stepped out.” He added that he had offered words of comfort to the bereaved family, expressing his profound sorrow.
Minister Choi paid tribute to him, saying, “Mr. Choi Bool-am, who always lived alongside the people as a caring father, will be remembered in all our hearts for a long time.” He also said that, given Choi’s many achievements, he was fully deserving of the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit.
The Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit is a first-grade honor within the Order of Cultural Merit, awarded to people with distinguished contributions to the development of culture and the arts and the improvement of the nation’s cultural life. Choi had previously received the Silver Crown Order of Cultural Merit at the Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards in 2014.
Choi Bool-am began his acting career in 1959 with the play Hamlet and won widespread public affection for his roles as Chief Park Young-han in MBC’s Chief Detective and Chairman Kim of Yangchon-ri in Country Diaries. From 2011 through last year, he hosted KBS 1TV’s Korean Cuisine and Dining, showcasing food from across the country and the lives of its people.
Outside broadcasting, he supported children at home and abroad as chair of ChildFund Korea’s national supporters’ association. He also served as chairman of Zero Camp, an incorporated association, supporting cultural and arts education for young people and their reintegration into society.
Choi died on the 29th while receiving inpatient treatment at a hospital in Seoul’s Gangseo District. He was 87. The funeral, organized by ChildFund Korea, will be held over five days.
The funeral procession is scheduled to depart at around 7:40 a.m. on November 2. A funeral Mass will be held at Yeouido Catholic Church at around 9 a.m. that day, followed by a farewell at ChildFund Korea headquarters at around 10:40 a.m. His burial site will be Donghwa Gyeongmo Park in Paju, Gyeonggi Province.


[email protected] Shin Jin-a, Jang In-seo Reporter