Late Choi Bool-am given final farewell... Green Umbrella: “We will carry forward his life of love and dedication”

[Financial News] Actor Choi Bool-am (real name: Choi Young-han), who spent 45 years giving to children, said goodbye at Green Umbrella headquarters, a place he had said he wanted to visit one last time during his lifetime. His five-day funeral came to a close amid tributes from people who had grown up with his help and a farewell from the organization’s staff.■ First foundation funeral in 15 years; around 300 people gather to bid final farewellGreen Umbrella said on the 3rd that the funeral of Choi, who died on the 29th of last month, was held as a “Green Umbrella Children’s Foundation funeral,” in accordance with his wishes and those of his family.
This was the highest honor the foundation can bestow and the third such funeral in its history. It was the first in 15 years, following the funerals of Kim Seok-san, former chairman of the Children’s Foundation, in 2010 and donor Kim Woo-soo, known as “Mr. Woo-soo with the Iron Lunchbox,” in 2011.
The funeral procession departed Asan Medical Center in Seoul at 7:40 a.m. on the 2nd in a private ceremony, as requested by the family. A funeral Mass was held at Yeouido Catholic Church at around 9 a.m., officiated by Cardinal Yeom Soo-jung. Hwang Young-key, chairman of Green Umbrella and head of the funeral committee, delivered the eulogy, and popera tenor Lim Hyung-joo, who called the deceased “uncle,” sang “Ave Maria” as a song of mourning.
After the Mass, the funeral procession headed to Green Umbrella headquarters in Mugyo-dong, Jung District, Seoul.
When Green Umbrella ambassador Song Il-kook entered the headquarters carrying the portrait with members of the funeral committee, around 300 staff members bowed their heads to greet them. A staff representative recalled the deceased’s words, “An adult should be a great tree that supports a young sapling,” and paid tribute, saying, “Our chairman of the supporters’ association was that great tree. Now we will carry on in that role.” Staff wiped away tears, and members of the funeral committee said goodbye by laying flowers.
■ A 45-year legacy of giving that stayed close to childrenThe connection between the deceased and Green Umbrella began in 1981, when he acted in a scene in the drama “Country Diaries” in which he adopted Geum-dong. In response to viewers’ praise and expectations, he began supporting children. He also encouraged fellow actors to join in, and in 1985 became chairman of the National Supporters’ Association. He also helped support children overseas, including in Sri Lanka, Ethiopia and Uganda.
People who had grown up with courage thanks to the deceased’s generosity also visited the wake. One young person wrote in the guest book, “Teacher, you were a great source of strength when I was living in a care facility,” and added, “If it hadn’t been for Green Umbrella’s help, if you hadn’t been there for me, I might not even be in this world. Thank you.” Some mourners also said they wanted to donate because they hoped to help children as the deceased had.
Visitors and messages continued to pour in at memorial spaces set up on the first floor of the headquarters and on the organization’s website. Families laid flowers together as they explained the deceased’s acting career to their children, and people who had come from other parts of the country also paid their respects. A pledge was also posted online: “I have my shortcomings too, but I will live striving to become a true adult who puts love into practice, just like you.”
Chairman Hwang said, “The giving that the deceased practiced throughout his life gave hope to countless children and left a precious legacy that will be remembered by our society for a long time,” adding, “We will hold close to our hearts his love and dedication to children and work to ensure that his wishes are carried forward through the giving and actions of more people.”
[email protected] Jang In-seo Reporter