Actor Choi Bool-am (born Choi Young-han), widely known as "the nation's father" for embodying the archetypal Korean paternal figure, has died. [Yonhap]
Actor Choi Bool-am (born Choi Young-han), widely known as "the nation's father" for embodying the archetypal Korean paternal figure, has died. [Yonhap]

Pop-opera tenor Im Hyung-joo has paid tribute to actor Choi Bool-am, the beloved performer known as "the nation's father."

On Friday, Im posted on Instagram, addressing Choi as "my respected and beloved Uncle Bool-am," and wrote: "I can't believe it. Tears just keep falling."

Im added: "I had no idea that the greeting we exchanged during a hospital visit a few months ago would be our last farewell."

Im had long been close to Choi and actor Kim Min-ja as a couple, referring to Choi as "uncle" and Kim as "aunt."

"You always cherished my singing and came to my solo recitals with Aunt Min-ja," Im wrote. "You always encouraged me with kind words, and I am deeply grateful."

Im went on to say: "Thank you for being a warm father to so many people across the country. Please rest in peace beside the Lord now, and show us your wonderful performance from heaven. I love you, Uncle."

Choi died Thursday night at a hospital in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, while receiving inpatient treatment. Choi was 87. After undergoing surgery for a herniated disc in March last year, Choi had difficulty moving and stepped down from KBS 1TV's "Hansik Expedition," a program Choi had hosted for 14 years. Choi had since focused on rehabilitation, but sources said the condition had worsened.

A memorial altar has been set up at the funeral hall of Asan Medical Center, with public condolences accepted from 10 a.m. Friday. The funeral will be held under the auspices of ChildFund Korea. ChildFund Korea Chairman Hwang Young-gi will serve as head of the funeral committee, with former prime ministers Lee Soo-sung and Lee Nak-yon among the committee members. Choi is survived by a spouse, actor Kim Min-ja, and two children.

Born Choi Young-han, the actor made a debut on the theatrical stage and spent 67 years in the profession. Choi was beloved for decades as Detective Chief Park Young-han in MBC's "Susa Banjang" (Chief of Investigations) and as village head Kim of Yangchon-ri in "Jeonwon Ilgi" (Country Diary), earning the title "the nation's father." Choi also served as honorary patron of ChildFund Korea and was active in child welfare causes.


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