Police mourn death of actor Choi Bool-am, 'honorary superintendent general' for 54 years

Police expressed condolences Saturday over the death of actor Choi Bool-am.

The Korean National Police Agency paid tribute to Choi in an SNS post, calling him "a teacher who walked with us for so long and brought honor to the police."

"We extend our deepest gratitude to Choi Bool-am, who served as an honorary police officer for 54 long years beginning in 1972," the agency said. "We will long remember the warm support and dedication Choi showed toward the police."

According to the agency, police first appointed Choi as an honorary inspector in 1972. Choi was subsequently promoted to honorary superintendent in 1977, honorary senior superintendent in 2012, honorary assistant commissioner general in 2018, and honorary commissioner in 2021. In 2024 — 52 years after the initial honorary appointment — Choi became the first civilian to reach the rank of honorary superintendent general.

Acting Korean National Police Agency Commissioner Kim Jong-cheol, along with senior police leadership, visited the funeral home Friday afternoon to pay their respects.

Choi won nationwide affection for playing the lead detective in "Susa Banjang," a crime drama series that aired for 18 years beginning in 1971. At the time of Choi's promotion to honorary commissioner in 2021, Choi said, "Since appearing in Susa Banjang, I have felt firsthand how much change and progress there has been in police investigations over the past 50-plus years. I will continue to convey the image of a police force that communicates with the public."

Choi died Thursday at 10:30 p.m. at a hospital in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, where he had been receiving treatment after his health deteriorated.