Why did Kim Yong-gun not visit Choi Bool-am's funeral hall?

Actor Kim Yong-gun did not visit the funeral hall of Choi Bool-am, who died on October 29 at age 87. According to Baek Il-seob, who visited the hall on October 31 and spoke to reporters, Kim said his eldest son is getting married next month. Baek said a fortune-teller had advised that attending a funeral before a child's wedding is not ideal, so Kim called him for advice and Baek told him not to come.

Who are Choi Bool-am and Kim Yong-gun?

Choi and Kim co-starred for 22 years on MBC's Countryside Life, one of the longest-running dramas in Korean TV history, which aired from October 1980 to December 2002. Choi played Kim Hoe-jang, the head of a rural family, and Kim played his eldest son, a civil servant. Their on-screen bond lasted decades, and they reunited on tvN STORY's variety show Chairman's Men in 2023.

When is Ha Jung-woo's wedding?

Ha Jung-woo, 48, will marry model Cha Jung-won on December 13 after six years of dating. Their age gap is 11 years, and their relationship became public this past summer after a period of secret dating.

What happens next at the funeral?

Choi's five-day funeral ends with a funeral procession on November 2. A memorial Mass will follow at a church in Yeouido, led by Cardinal Yeom Soo-jung. Singer Lim Hyung-joo, who called Choi his uncle, is scheduled to sing Ave Maria during the Mass.

For international fans

Countryside Life is a classic Korean family drama that many Korean viewers grew up with, so for international fans it is a useful reference for understanding the veteran actors' long bond. Visa and streaming availability for the show vary by country, so check local platforms for current access.