Culture minister mourns late actor Choi Bool-am: 'We never got to share that makgeolli'

Culture Minister Choi Hwi-young, who met the late actor Choi Bool-am for the last time four months ago, paid a heartfelt tribute to the beloved star.

Choi posted on SNS Friday to express deep sorrow over the passing of "the people's actor, Choi Bool-am."

Choi also recalled a visit to the actor's hospital room in June. "When I came to see him in June, he greeted me with his signature warm, boisterous laugh and took my hand, saying, 'Let's have a glass of makgeolli together once I'm discharged soon,'" the minister wrote. "I cannot hide the heaviness in my heart that we were unable to keep that promise, and I am now seeing him off on his final journey."

Choi went on to say, "For so long, he warmed our everyday lives — as the righteous Detective Park in 'Susa Banjang,' as the gentle father in 'Jeonwon Ilgi,' and as the steadfast guide on 'Hanguginin-ui Bapsang.'" "He was a great sunbae and a pillar of Korea's cultural and artistic community, and a cherished memory for every single person across generations."

Choi added, "Teacher, you laughed and cried with the people your whole life — I pray with both hands clasped that you rest in peace. I also extend my deepest condolences to spouse Kim Min-ja, who quietly stood by his side for so many years, and to the bereaved family."

Born in Incheon in 1939 — 1940 according to the family register — Choi Bool-am made his debut in 1959 in the play Hamlet and spent 67 years moving between the stage and television. The funeral home has been set up at Asan Medical Center in Songpa-gu, Seoul. The funeral will be held under the auspices of ChildFund Korea, an organization Choi Bool-am had long served as national patron after forming a connection with it during the filming of "Jeonwon Ilgi" in 1981. Hwang Young-ki, chairman of ChildFund Korea, will serve as head of the funeral committee, with former prime ministers Lee Soo-sung and Lee Nak-yon among the committee members. Choi Bool-am is survived by spouse Kim Min-ja, son Dong-nyeok and daughter Dong-bi.