(LEAD) Family, fellow actors bid farewell to iconic actor Choi Bool-am

On November 2, a funeral service was held for the renowned actor Choi Bool-am, attended by his family and fellow performers. Choi, whose real name was Choi Young-han, passed away at the age of 87 while receiving medical care at a hospital in western Seoul. His longtime spouse, Kim Min-ja, who is also an actress, was visibly emotional at the private burial service at Asan Medical Center in southeastern Seoul. Kim was supported by fellow actor Kim Hye-soo, who had been present at the funeral service from the outset.

In addition to family, other actors present included Song Il-kook and Shin Hyun-joon. Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, the former archbishop of Seoul, was scheduled to officiate a funeral Mass at a cathedral in western Seoul. Following the service, a farewell event was planned at the headquarters of the Chorogusan for Children foundation, where Choi had devoted significant time to advocating for children's and youth rights for many years. The actor's remains will be interred at a memorial park in Paju, north of Seoul.

Choi was a beloved figure in Korean entertainment, most recognized for his portrayals of paternal characters in popular television dramas. These included his iconic role as detective Park Young-han in MBC's ongoing crime series, "Chief Inspector," and as the village foreman in the enduring rural family drama "Country Diaries," South Korea's longest-running television program.

The news of his death sparked an outpouring of tributes from fellow actors, politicians, and police officials. On Friday, Choi was posthumously honored with the Geumgwan (Gold Crown) Order of Cultural Merit, South Korea's premier cultural accolade, in recognition of his enduring contributions to Korean television, film, and theater.