"Let's have a drink when I get out of the hospital"... The late Choi Bool-am's last promise from his hospital bed

Died on the 29th at the age of 87"He greeted me warmly with his unique 'Paha' laugh."Choi Bool-am (far left), known to have maintained his characteristic hearty laughter even from his hospital bed in June, greeted Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hui-young, adding to the sorrow. / Photo courtesy of Choi Hui-young, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism's social media[THE FACT|Reporter Choi Soo-bin] As the beloved actor Choi Bool-am has passed away, his final moments from his hospital bed in June are being re-examined, bringing a sense of heaviness.Choi Bool-am passed away around 10 p.m. on the 29th at a hospital in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, where he had been receiving inpatient treatment. He was 87 years old. Following the news of the passing of the actor, who was loved for many years as the 'Nation's Father,' condolences are pouring in from the broadcasting industry and the public. The fact that he maintained his characteristic hearty laughter even from his hospital bed is particularly adding to the sadness.Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hui-young shared photos on his social media in June of his visit to Choi Bool-am's hospital room. Minister Choi stated, "I was greatly reassured as he greeted me warmly with his unique 'Paha' laugh," adding, "Actress Kim Min-ja, his wife, who is always by his side, was also present."He continued, "Mr. Choi Bool-am shared many stories with me, from current events to art and religion, and warmly encouraged me. He even suggested we have a drink once he's discharged soon," and "I unhesitatingly asked him to buy me some makgeolli," he added.He also recalled, "He has been with us for a long time as Detective Park in 'Chief Inspector,' Chairman Kim in 'Country Diaries,' and most recently through 'Korean Table'," and "His stern yet affectionate demeanor and his deep voice are always remembered in our hearts," wishing him a speedy recovery.However, with the news of Choi Bool-am's passing just about four months later, the promise of meeting after his discharge, made during their conversation at the time, evokes even greater sadness.Choi Bool-am, who debuted in the 1959 play 'Hamlet,' earned the title of 'Eternal Chief Inspector' for his role as Detective Park Young-han, who possessed a sense of justice and humanity, in the MBC drama 'Chief Inspector.' He then solidified his position as the 'Nation's Father' by playing Chairman Kim in 'Country Diaries,' which aired for 22 years from 1980 to 2002.He also continued his acting career, appearing in various productions such as 'Era of Heroes' and 'Gourmet.' Since 2011, he had been hosting the KBS1 documentary program 'Korean Table,' sharing stories of food from across the country and the people behind them.However, he stepped down from 'Korean Table' after undergoing surgery for a herniated disc in March of last year, which led to mobility issues. Although he focused on rehabilitation treatment, his health reportedly worsened.The wake for the late Choi Bool-am will be held at the Asan Medical Center Funeral Hall in Seoul. The funeral will be conducted as a Green Umbrella Children's Foundation funeral. Choi Bool-am had a connection with Green Umbrella since 1981, stemming from an adoption episode in 'Country Diaries,' and had actively participated in social contribution activities for children and adolescents.[Entertainment Desk | ssent@tf.co.kr]subin7134@tf.co.kr