“May you act as much as you wish in heaven”···A wave of condolences continues at the memorial altar for Choi Bul-am - 경향신문

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On the 30th, a memorial altar for 故Choi Bul-am, who passed away at the age of 87, was set up at the funeral hall of Asan Medical Center in Songpa-gu, Seoul. 2026.10.30. Joint Press Corps

At the memorial altar for actor Choi Bul-am (real name Choi Young-han), who passed away on the night of the 29th, a steady stream of people came to pay tribute. Not only fellow actors and government officials but also ordinary citizens visited to say their final goodbyes. True to his nickname ‘the national father’, mourners recalled his warm character.

On the 30th, the first day of the five-day funeral, the funeral hall at Asan Medical Center in Songpa-gu, Seoul, was filled with flower wreaths honoring Choi Bul-am. Wreaths kept arriving from junior actors such as Sol Kyung-gu, Song Yoon-ah, and Shim Eun-kyung; from pop music figures including singer Cho Yong-pil and BTS member J-Hope; and from political leaders including President Lee Jae Myung and former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon.

Choi Bul-am with fellow television talents with whom he shared an acting award. From left: Kim Young-ae, Jung Ae-ran, Kim Sang-soon, Yoo In-chon, Park Gyu-chae, Choi Bul-am. Kyunghyang Shinmun file photo

The first to arrive at the altar, which opened to mourners from 10 am, was actor and former Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yoo In-chon. Yoo and Choi Bul-am portrayed father and son for 22 years in the drama <Jeonwon Ilgi>.

Yoo said, “When I began acting, he played my father in my very first debut work, and then for 22 years in <Jeonwon Ilgi> he lived as my father, so from a personal standpoint I consider him family. I always called him father in daily life,” and added, “Recently he said we should meet once his health improved, but in the end I received the news of his passing, which pains me. I hope he remains in the public memory with a warm image.”

Next, hanbok designer Park Sul-nyeo arrived carrying mourning attire and burial garments. She said, “I came quickly to deliver the mourning clothes for Madam. I received a call from Madam two to three weeks ago asking me to prepare them, so I prepared a bokgeon cap and accessories.” Park added, “From when I heard his spine hurt and that he would undergo surgery, I made a dopo robe; it has been about a year since I made the baji-jeogori,” and, “Behind his hearty laugh there was a modest, ordinary feel, and he lived that way. I think he will also live as someone essential even after going to heaven.”

Actor Na Moon-hee, who finished paying respects with the support of acquaintances, told reporters, “Mr. Choi Bul-am has gone ahead. He was our pride, so it leaves a real ache in a corner of my heart to see him go first like this.” Asked about memories with the deceased, she said, “There are so many, but I will simply keep them to myself,” then bowed and left. In 2014, Na Moon-hee co-starred as a married couple with the late actor in the SBS series <Gibun Joheun Nal>.

After working with the Choi Bul-amKim Min-ja couple in the 1987 drama <Samogok>, Kim Hye-soo, who affectionately referred to herself as their ‘daughter’, stayed at the altar for a long time. When she came out after paying her respects, she was seen with a grave expression, wiping away tears. In 2021, Kim appeared on the 10th-anniversary special of KBS <Hangugin-ui Bapsang>, preparing a meal for the late actor together with Kim Min-ja.

Actor Ahn Seo-hyun, who played the granddaughter of Choi Bul-am in the drama <Cheonsang-ui Hwaweon Gombaeryeong>, said, “I was an elementary school student during filming, and from then until now my whole family lived thinking of him as grandfather,” and, “He was an actor loved by the entire nation, so it seems Korea will be very sad for a while. I would like to spend time in mourning, thinking of grandfather for a long time.”

Actor Kang Seok-woo, who had worked with Choi Bul-am multiple times in dramas such as <Yeongung Sidae> and <Geudae Useoyo>, said, “A giant beloved by the people has passed away,” and, “With Teacher Lee Soon-jae gone and now Teacher Choi Bul-am as well, it feels like the first generation of actors is leaving.” He continued, “We acted together in several works, but I regret that we were not closer personally,” and added, “I hold Teacher Kim Min-ja, his wife, in special regard, as I met her as my mother in my debut work <Botong Saramdeul>. I am left wondering whether I could have been even more respectful and bolder in serving Teacher Choi Bul-am when we appeared together.”

Actor Go Doo-shim, who could not visit the altar in person, conveyed via text message, “He was someone who quietly and naturally fulfilled the mission given to him as a public figure, and someone with a noble heart who took part in caring for neighbors in need,” adding, “His consistent good works with the Green Umbrella ChildFund will be an example to many. I too set foot in and opened my eyes to the work of the foundation for children because of him.”

Actor Im Hyun-sik, who was both senior and junior to the deceased at the Department of Theater and Film at Hanyang University and also co-starred with him in <Jeonwon Ilgi>, said, “Starting from college days, I acted with my senior for about 60 years, and it feels like he even went ahead first because he was busy being a senior to the very end,” and, “Even after going ahead, I hope he starts a production in heaven and does all the acting he wishes.” It is well known that Choi Bul-am officiated at the weddings of all three of the daughters of Im Hyun-sik.

Minister Choi Hwi-young of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism also visited the altar around 5 pm that day. Minister Choi posthumously conferred the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit on Choi Bul-am. After meeting the bereaved family for a little over ten minutes, he said, “Just four months ago, when I visited, he greeted me warmly with a bright smile, so this is deeply heartbreaking,” and, “He had said to have a drink after discharge, and I had been waiting for that day, but instead I just offered him a drink a little while ago.” Regarding the posthumous conferral of the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit, he said, “He left so many achievements for us all that the whole nation feels an emptiness,” and, “I believed it was an honor he was bound to receive, so I delivered it on behalf of the people.”

Actor Im Hyun-sik. Kyunghyang Shinmun file photo

Also visiting the altar that day were Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party; Kim Jong-chul, acting Commissioner General of the National Police Agency; former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum; Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon; actor Kim Sung-hwan; singer Jin Sung; and many other figures from the political and cultural sectors.

Choi Bul-am began his acting career on stage in 1959 with the play <Hamlet>. In 1967, he was selected as a sixth-cohort special recruit at KBS as a television actor and appeared in the drama <Suyang Daegun>, and in 1969, he was tapped as a special recruit at MBC, appearing in numerous works including <Susabanjang> and <Jeonwon Ilgi>.

Choi Bul-am passed away at 10:30 pm on the 29th while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, due to declining health. The memorial altar for the deceased has been set up at the funeral hall of Asan Medical Center in Seoul and has been receiving the public from 10 am on the 30th.