What happened?

Veteran actor Choi Bul-am died on October 29, 2026, at age 87. According to Yonhap News, mourners began arriving at his funeral hall at Asan Medical Center in Songpa-gu, Seoul, on the first day of the funeral, and the line of visitors continued throughout the day.

Who paid their respects?

Actress Na Moon-hee arrived with help from an acquaintance and said she would always remember him. Yoo In-chon, former culture minister, who played Choi's son in the long-running MBC series Jeonwon Diary, said he had called Choi "father" for years. Cha In-pyo, who played his son in the MBC drama You and I, described him as a respectful mentor who treated younger actors as equals. Kim Hye-soo, who had called Choi father after working with him in the 1987 drama Samgokgok, cried throughout her visit.

Why was he honored?

Culture Minister Choi Hwi-young presented Choi with the Geumgwan Order of Culture Medal, the highest honor in Korea's arts community. The minister recalled visiting him in June. Hwang Young-ki, chairman of the children's charity Green Umbrella Children's Foundation, said Choi devoted his life to children, including overseas fundraising, volunteer work in Africa, and musical programs for young people at Gimcheon Juvenile Prison.

For international fans

Jeonwon Diary ran on MBC for 22 years and is one of Korea's most famous family dramas. Choi is also remembered as the warm, fatherly figure of many Korean television dramas. Burial will take place at Donghwa Memorial Park.