Choi Bool-am, long remembered as Korea's "national father" on screen, died on October 29, 2026, at the age of 87, Yonhap News reported.

Who was Choi Bool-am?

Born in 1939 in Incheon, Choi started out in theater after graduating from Seoul Joong-ang High School in 1958. He made his stage debut in 1959 in 'Hamlet' and joined the National Theater Company of Korea in 1965.

What were his best-known roles?

Choi became a household name through MBC's police drama 'Sudaebanjang', where he played Detective Park Young-han. He led the show during two stretches, from 1971 to 1984 and again from 1985 to 1989. He also starred in the family drama 'Countryside Life', which made him known to generations of viewers.

What awards did he win?

He received several major honors, including the Baeksang Arts Award for theater and TV acting, the Korea Broadcasting Award in 1973, and the Daejong Film Award for Best Actor in 1979 for 'Dallyeora Mansuk'.

For international fans

Choi is also known for the KBS documentary 'Korean Table', which explored everyday Korean food culture and was hosted by him for many years. Fans outside Korea can find his older dramas through streaming platforms that carry Korean classics, though availability varies by region.