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Choi Bool-am
South Korean actor (1940–2026)
Choi Young-han (Korean: 최불암; 15 June 1940 – 29 October 2026), known professionally as Choi Bool-am, was a South Korean actor, television presenter and academic. He was known for hosting the documentary programme Korean Cuisine and Dining and long running MBC series Circle Inspector (1971-1988) and Country Diaries (1980-2002)
Early life
Choi was born in the neighborhood of Geumgok-dong, Dong District, Incheon, Korea, Empire of Japan in 1940. He was of the Haeju Choe clan. Choi was the only son to his father Choi Cheol, a business man and film proucer, and his mother Lee Myeong-suk, who was a daughter of a royal pharmacist of the Korean Empire. Choi Cheol suddenly died when Choi was 8 years old and entered Sinheung Elementary School in Incheon.
He moved to Seoul to attend Jungang Middle School. Choi was drawn to theater as he entered a theater club at Jungang High School. He gained directing experience while at Seorabeol Art College (which has since merged into the now Chung-Ang University). He entered Hanyang University in 1960.
Career
Before graduation, Choi starred in several plays including Hamlet. He was recruited as a KBS TV actor in 1966, and entered stardom with the role of Kim Jong-seo in the drama series, Prince Suyang. His stage name Choi Bool-am was given to him by his uncle, who took the name from Mt. Buram. He played old man roles in films during the 1970s. His breakout role was Park Young-han in MBC long running show Circle Inspector (1971-1988) which established him as national icon, and he also starred in TV dramas includng Princess Hours (2006). Choi was also the host for Korean Cuisine and Dining, a food travelogue series on food of Korea and the Korean diaspora.He made his final appearance in 2024 for Chief Detective 1958, for which he reprised his role as an older Park Yong-han. At the time, he was last surviving cast member of Circle Inspector.
Personal life and death
In 1970, he married Kim Min-ja, the sister of actress Lee So-won. They had two children.
He was Catholic and performed philanthropic actions for children for 45 years.
Choi died in a hospital in Seoul on 29 October 2026, while recovering from spinal disc surgery he received back in March. He was 86.
Politicians and actors expressed condolences, including South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.
Filmography
*Note; the whole list is referenced.
Ambassadorship
Ambassador of Public Relations to Seoul (2023)