{
  "id": 17086900,
  "title": "Legendary actor Choi Bool-am dies at 87",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/legendary-actor-choi-bool-am-dies-at-87",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-29T16:27:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/people-events/20261030/legendary-actor-choi-bool-am-dies-at-87"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Renowned Korean actor Choi Bool-am, cherished by audiences across generations, passed away on October 29, 2023, at the age of 87, according to reports. He had been receiving medical treatment at a Seoul hospital. Choi underwent spinal disc surgery in March 2022, which resulted in mobility challenges. This, in turn, led to his exit from KBS TV's popular food documentary, \"Korean Cuisine and Dining,\" where he had served as host for 14 years, beginning in 2011. Despite active participation in rehabilitation, Choi's health deteriorated swiftly in the following days.\n\nBorn Choi Young-han in Incheon in 1939, his birth was officially recorded in family records in 1940. Choi pursued his education at Seorabeol University of Arts and Hanyang University's Department of Theater and Film. He had initially aspired to become a director, making his acting debut in 1959 with a production of Hamlet. Choi joined the National Theater Company of Korea in 1965 and made his television debut in 1967. His status as a national icon solidified through numerous memorable performances.",
  "summary": "Veteran actor Choi Bool-am, beloved across generations, passed away on Oct. 29. He was 87. Choi died at around 10 p.m. Thursday at a hospital in Gangseo District, Seoul, where he had been receiving medical treatment, according to media reports Friday. Choi underwent spinal disc surgery in March last year and subsequently experienced mobility issues. This led to his departure from KBS TV's…",
  "key_points": [
    "Choi Bool-am, legendary Korean actor, died at 87 on October 29, 2023.",
    "Suffered mobility issues after spinal surgery in March 2022.",
    "Hosted Korean Cuisine and Dining for 14 years before health decline."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}