Seoul:The public and fellow actors have expressed their grief and paid tribute to the late actor Choi Bool-am, who passed away at the age of 87. Choi was renowned for his portrayal of father figures throughout his nearly 70-year acting career.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Choi died late Thursday while receiving treatment at a Seoul hospital. He has been remembered fondly as a "born actor" with a fatherly warmth that endeared him to audiences and colleagues alike.
Producer Pyo Jae-soon, who collaborated with Choi on various projects in the 1970s and 80s, described him as "the father of the nation" and praised his ability to embody any role, whether it be a father, uncle, brother, or grandfather. Pyo noted that Choi's dedication to his craft made him a natural actor.
Former culture minister and actor Yoo In-chon, who played Choi's son in the long-running TV series "Country Diaries," recalled Choi as an exemplary figure whom fellow cast members regarded as a father. Yoo emphasized that Choi's behavior on set taught many actors about natural acting.
Actor Park Sang-won, who co-starred with Choi in the drama series "You and I," also lauded Choi as an exemplary and rare actor who maintained a close connection with the public. Park shared a memory of Choi's view of actors as "clowns" tasked with removing obstacles for the public.
Composer Yoon Il-sang highlighted Choi's enduring presence in people's lives through roles such as the righteous detective in "Chief Inspector" and the reliable father in "Country Diaries." Yoon noted that Choi's "hallmark big laugh, deep and warm voice, and affection for humans" will be remembered, marking him as an actor who not only represented an era but lived through it with warmth.