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Seoul, October 30 — Renowned South Korean actor Choi Bool-am, widely regarded as the nation's paternal figure for his portrayals of fatherly characters in popular television dramas, has passed away at the age of 87, his family announced on Friday, according to Yonhap News Agency. Choi, whose real name was Choi Young-han, breathed his last on Thursday evening while receiving medical attention at a hospital in western Seoul.

The actor had been grappling with mobility issues following surgery for a herniated disc in March of the previous year, which led him to resign as the host of the KBS documentary program Korean Food Table, a role he had held for 14 years since 2011.

Choi skyrocketed to fame through his iconic role as detective Park Young-han in MBC's enduring crime drama Chief Inspector, which ran from 1971 to 1989. In a reflective essay, Choi expressed how the show resonated with him, stating that his heart still pulsed when he heard the series' theme song and acknowledged the life lessons he gleaned from it.

His reputation as the quintessential Korean father figure was cemented through his long-running role in MBC's rural family drama Country Diaries, which spanned 22 years from 1980 to 2002, one of South Korea's longest-running television series.

Throughout his illustrious acting career of almost seven decades, Choi showcased his versatility, appearing in TV, films, and theatrical productions. He was unafraid to take on smaller roles even after achieving stardom, consistently playing older characters, including portraying former President Rhee Syng-man in his 80s while his real age was in his 40s.

Choi frequently shared the screen with fellow actor Kim Hye-ja in hit shows, most recently in Country Diaries to Princess Hours (2006) and the recently released Chief Detective 1958 (2024), a prequel to the beloved TV series Chief Inspector, alongside Lee Je-hoon, who plays Choi's grandson. Known for his distinctive laugh and easygoing demeanor, Choi had become a beloved figure across generations, frequently emceeing current affairs and educational programs, with his laugh becoming a favorite among actors and comedians to emulate.

Beyond his acting and political pursuits, Choi was a staunch advocate for children's and youth rights. In recognition of his dedication, his funeral will be held by the Chorogusan for Children foundation. Choi was survived by his longtime spouse Kim Min-ja, also an accomplished actress, and two children.