Legendary actor Choi Bool-am (최불암), whose real name was Choi Young-han, pαѕѕed away at around 10 p.m. on October 29, 2026, at a hospital in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. He was 87 years old.
With a career spanning nearly seven decades, beginning with a stage production of Hamlet in 1959, his portrayal of a warm, fatherly figure and his signature smile on screen made him beloved and remembered as Korea’s “National Father.” He was particularly famous for playing Chief Inspector Park Young-han in Chief Inspector (수사반장), a series that ran for 18 years, and Chairman Kim of Yangchon-ri in Country Diaries (전원일기), which aired for 22 years and remains one of the longest-running dramas in кσяєαn television history.
From 2011 until last year, Choi hosted кσяєαn Food Table for 14 years, offering viewers a deeper look into the food, culture, and everyday lives of people across the country. During his lifetime, he also served as a member of the National Assembly and devoted many years to charitable work for children in кσяєα and abroad as chairman of the Green Umbrella National Child Sponsorship Association.
His funeral was held at the Asan Medical Center funeral hall in Seoul, with the funeral procession scheduled for the morning of November 2, 2026. ChildFund кσяєα oversaw the arrangements. Choi was posthumously awarded the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit, the highest honor in its category. President Lee Jae-myung also expressed his deepest condolences on social media, describing Choi as “the father of our era.”
Notably, despite being busy with BTS’s ARIRANG World Tour, which was taking place in São Paulo, вяαzιℓ, in late October 2026, j-hope sent a large wreath of wнιтe flowers to the late actor’s funeral. The accompanying sign read, “謹弔 방탄소년단 제이홉,” meaning “In Deepest Condolences — BTS J-Hope.” The gesture was seen by many in the entertainment industry and among fans as a sincere expression of respect for a legendary senior artist, reflecting the BTS superstar’s warmth and thoughtfulness.
In addition to j-hope, numerous other celebrities, including Kim Hye-soo, Song Hye-kyo, and Na Moon-hee, paid their respects in person or sent condolence wreaths to honor the late actor and bid him farewell.
j-hope’s thoughtful gesture deeply moved fans, who were touched to see a younger-generation artist show such respect for a longstanding cultural icon. Fans also shared their final farewells to Choi Bool-am and extended their heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family:
- With a career spanning nearly 70 years, his onscreen presence shaped кσяєαn television history. Rest in peace!
- Hobi is always such a warm and thoughtful soul. My deepest condolences to the family of Choi Bool-am
- The way Hoseok always quietly shows so much respect and gratitude toward senior artists never fails to move me. He's not only an incredible artist but also has the biggest heart
- The pαѕѕing of 'Nation's Father' Choi Bool-am is such a huge loss. May he rest in peace
- Hoseok is always so considerate and caring. His warm gesture amidst his busy days truly reflects his respectful nature and kind heart
- Reading the news makes me mourn the loss of Mr. Choi Bool-am, but also brings tears to my eyes seeing j-hope's gesture. His respect for seniors is truly admiration-worthy
- A small gesture that carries immense respect for a true legend. Sending my sincere condolences to the family and May he rest in peace.
- Seeing tribute from the younger generation like j-hope really touches my heart. Thank you Hoseok for your endless kindness and respect. Sending deepest condolences
