"A Part of Our Lives"...Yoon Il-sang&Lim Hyung-joo Mourn the Late Choi Bool-am, 'The Nation's Father'

Passed away on the 29th at the age of 87."I didn't know my visit a few months ago would be my last farewell."As Choi Bool-am, the 'eternal father of the nation,' passed away, composers Yoon Il-sang and popera tenor Lim Hyung-joo paid tribute to him. /THE FACT DB[THE FACT|Reporter Choi Soo-bin] Composer Yoon Il-sang and popera tenor Lim Hyung-joo expressed their heartfelt condolences to the late Choi Bool-am.Yoon Il-sang wrote on his social media on the 30th, "To Choi Bool-am, the eternal father of the nation. Since he was always by our side since childhood, it felt like he would be with us forever," expressing his longing for the deceased.He continued, "As the righteous chief in 'Chief Inspector,' and as the warm and reliable father in 'Country Diaries,' you were a part of our lives for many years," adding, "Your unique hearty laughter, deep and warm voice, and the affection for humanity contained within them will not be forgotten even as time passes."He recalled, "You were not someone who acted in an era, but someone who lived through an era with us and left warmth in all our hearts. Thank you so much, teacher," and concluded, "Thank you for creating the sound of a warmer evening. I sincerely wish the deceased peace."Lim Hyung-joo also posted on his social media, "Uncle Choi Bool-am, whom I respect and love. I can't believe it. Tears just keep flowing," and said, "I didn't know that my visit a few months ago would be my eternal farewell."He added, "You always cherished my songs and even came to my solo concerts with Aunt Kim Min-ja," and expressed his sincere gratitude, "Thank you from the bottom of my heart for always encouraging me with kind words."Composer Yoon Il-sang expressed his condolences to the late Choi Bool-am, saying, "You were not someone who acted in an era, but someone who lived through an era with us." / Photo courtesy of Yoon Il-sang's social mediaHe further added, "Thank you so much for being a warm father to countless people. I hope you rest peacefully now by the Lord's side and show great acting in heaven. I love you, Uncle."Choi Bool-am passed away around 10 p.m. on the 29th while receiving inpatient treatment at a hospital in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. He was 87 years old.Choi Bool-am, who debuted in the 1959 play 'Hamlet,' earned the nickname 'eternal chief inspector' for his role as Park Young-han, a chief inspector with a sense of justice and humanity, in the MBC drama 'Chief Inspector.' He then solidified his position as the 'father of the nation' by playing Chairman Kim of Yangchon Village in 'Country Diaries,' which aired for 22 years from 1980 to 2002.He also continued his acting career, appearing in various works such as 'The Age of Heroes' and 'Gourmet.' Since 2011, he hosted the KBS1 documentary program 'Korean Table' (The Korean Table), sharing stories of people and food from across the country.However, after undergoing surgery for a herniated disc in March of last year, he experienced mobility issues and stepped down from 'Korean Table.' He had been focusing on rehabilitation treatment, but his health reportedly worsened.The late Choi Bool-am's wake will be held at the Asan Medical Center Funeral Hall in Seoul.subin7134@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]