“Please Make a Documentary That Sums Up My Life”: Late Choi Bool-am’s Final Request During His Illness

[Financial News] The story has emerged only now, leaving a deep impression: the late actor Choi Bool-am, who left a significant mark on Korean broadcasting before passing away, personally requested a documentary reflecting on his life while he was battling illness.
On the 30th, MBC urgently scheduled and aired “Paha, This Is Choi Bool-am,” an encore documentary as a memorial special to honor the late actor. The radio-style documentary looks back on his life and acting career with music, and first aired this May in accordance with his wishes.
In the rebroadcast that day, the production team revealed a moving behind-the-scenes story in captions. “In 2025, actor Choi Bool-am, who was already battling illness, called directly to ask for a program that would sum up his life,” the team said. It added, “This documentary aired in May this year, while he was still alive, in fulfillment of his wishes.” It was, in effect, a quiet farewell to the public from a great actor who sensed that the end of his life was near.
The late actor, whose health deteriorated after surgery for a herniated disc in March last year and who continued rehabilitation and treatment, died on the 29th at the age of 87.
The late actor’s wake was held at the funeral hall of Asan Medical Center in Seoul. In recognition of his dedication to supporting children, for whom he had always felt a special affection, his funeral will be held over five days under the auspices of ChildFund Korea. The funeral procession is scheduled for 7:40 a.m. on the 2nd.
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