'Consistently humble and warm'

'Warm presence will remain in our hearts forever'

People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok answers reporters' questions during a visit to the birthplace of former President Park Chung-hee in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, on Friday. [Yonhap]
People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok answers reporters' questions during a visit to the birthplace of former President Park Chung-hee in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, on Friday. [Yonhap]

People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok expressed condolences Friday over the death of actor Choi Bool-am.

Jang wrote on Facebook that day: "The father of the nation, Choi Bool-am, has left us. I offer my deepest condolences and extend words of comfort to the bereaved family."

"Choi spent many years alongside the people," Jang said, recalling that the actor "never lost a consistently humble and warm presence — whether as the detective chief or as Chairman Kim of Yangchon-ri."

Jang added: "Though no longer with us, that warmth will remain in our hearts forever."

"On Friday, we bid farewell to an elder of an era," Jang wrote. "Choi Bool-am, we are truly grateful. I pray from the bottom of my heart that you rest in peace."

People Power Party spokesperson Jo Yong-sul also issued a statement Friday, expressing "deep condolences on the passing of actor Choi Bool-am, the father of the nation."

"The late actor was the first person many people thought of when picturing a warm father or a kind neighbor," Jo said, adding that for the middle-aged generation, Choi was "the star of cherished memories who brought great laughter through the 'Choi Bool-am Series' in their childhood."

Jo said Choi's true character extended beyond the stage and screen. "Through sharing and volunteering for children and youth, and through attention and action toward marginalized neighbors, Choi showed what it means to bear warm responsibility in our society," the spokesperson said.

"The image of Choi Bool-am laughing heartily among us will now live on as a cherished memory, but the warmth of the life and lessons left behind will carry on across generations," Jo said.


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