Choi Bool-am, the legendary South Korean actor known as the nation’s “National Father,” died on October 29, 2026, following a prolonged period of declining health. He had experienced serious mobility problems after undergoing spinal disc surgery in March 2025 and had required continuing medical treatment and rehabilitation. The veteran actor died at approximately 10:30 p.m. Korean Standard Time while hospitalized in Seoul. His death marked the end of a remarkable career spanning nearly seven decades.
What Caused His Death?
Choi Bool-am’s death was attributed to age-related health deterioration following prolonged medical complications.
The actor had struggled with his health since undergoing surgery for a herniated lumbar disc in March 2025.
Although he received treatment and rehabilitation, his mobility remained severely affected.
His condition reportedly worsened during the final weeks of October 2026.
He died while receiving inpatient medical care.
Reports described a prolonged decline rather than a sudden accident or unexpected external event.
However, a more specific medical cause, such as a particular organ failure or infection, has not been publicly established.
When Did He Die?
Choi Bool-am died on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at approximately 10:30 p.m. KST.
He was receiving treatment at a hospital in Seoul’s Gangseo District.
His passing was reported by major South Korean news organizations the following day.
The actor was widely described as being 87 years old under traditional Korean age reckoning.
Under the standard international age calculation, he was 86.
His death prompted widespread mourning because of his extraordinary contribution to Korean television.
For several generations, he had been a familiar presence in family dramas, detective stories, and documentary programs.
How Old Was Choi Bool-am?
Choi Bool-am was born on June 15, 1940, and was 86 years old when he died.
Some Korean reports described him as 87 because of traditional age-counting conventions.
The difference reflects the historical practice of counting a person as one year old at birth.
South Korea formally adopted the international age system for most administrative purposes in 2023.
Nevertheless, traditional age descriptions occasionally appear in entertainment reporting.
Both figures have therefore been associated with news of his passing.
His career began decades before the international popularity of Korean television dramas.
He remained recognizable to audiences well into his eighties.
His Spinal Surgery
In March 2025, Choi underwent surgery for a herniated lumbar disc.
A herniated disc occurs when part of a spinal disc protrudes and may place pressure on nearby nerves.
The condition can cause pain, weakness, or difficulty moving.
Choi’s health problems reportedly continued after the procedure.
He experienced persistent difficulty walking and required further medical attention.
The surgery became a turning point in his later life because it affected his ability to remain active.
However, the available reports do not establish that the operation itself directly caused his death.
His subsequent decline involved a prolonged period of medical complications.
Difficulties Walking
Following his spinal procedure, Choi Bool-am experienced significant mobility problems.
Reports indicated that walking became increasingly difficult for him.
The condition affected his independence and limited his ability to continue regular television work.
He received medical care and participated in physical rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation is often intended to help patients regain movement, strength, and functional abilities after serious health problems.
Despite these efforts, Choi did not return to his previous level of activity.
His difficulties continued through 2025 and into 2026.
The long recovery period became an important part of the circumstances surrounding his final illness.
His Final Hospitalization
Choi Bool-am was receiving inpatient treatment in Seoul when his health deteriorated in late October 2026.
He had reportedly experienced repeated hospital admissions following his earlier surgery.
During his final days, his condition worsened despite ongoing medical care.
Reports stated that his wife, children, and close associates were with him near the end of his life.
He died on the evening of October 29.
The family subsequently received condolences from across South Korea’s entertainment industry.
Specific clinical findings from his final hospitalization have not been publicly detailed.
The reported explanation remains prolonged health deterioration associated with his advanced age and medical complications.
Who Was Choi Bool-am?
Choi Bool-am was one of South Korea’s most respected television, film, and theatre actors.
His career spanned nearly 70 years.
He became famous for portraying dependable, principled, and compassionate characters.
His performances helped shape Korean television during its formative decades.
Audiences particularly associated him with authoritative figures who displayed warmth and moral conviction.
These qualities contributed to his reputation as the country’s “National Father.”
Unlike performers whose popularity is tied to a single generation, Choi remained familiar to viewers across different age groups.
His work reflected major changes in Korean society and broadcasting over several decades.
Chief Inspector Fame
Choi became a household name through his portrayal of detective Park Young-han in Chief Inspector.
The influential television drama aired from 1971 to 1989.
His character was recognized for pursuing justice and standing against wrongdoing.
The series became one of South Korea’s defining crime dramas.
Its long broadcast history helped establish Choi as a leading television actor.
His portrayal of Park Young-han was admired for its seriousness and humanity.
The character also became closely associated with the actor’s public image.
Decades later, Chief Inspector remained an important part of South Korean television history.
Country Diaries Legacy
Choi Bool-am also played Chairman Kim in the long-running family drama Country Diaries.
The series aired from 1980 to 2002.
It portrayed everyday life in a Korean rural community.
Choi’s character represented a respected family and village figure.
The drama became widely known for its realistic depiction of relationships, traditions, and changing social values.
Its lengthy run allowed viewers to develop a lasting connection with the characters.
Choi’s performance helped reinforce his image as a reassuring paternal presence.
Together, Chief Inspector and Country Diaries established his place among Korean television’s most influential actors.
Leaving Korean Cuisine and Dining
Choi stepped away from the KBS 1TV documentary series Korean Cuisine and Dining because of his declining health.
The program is also known internationally as A Korean Table.
He had hosted it for more than 14 years, appearing across approximately 688 episodes.
The documentary explored regional Korean food, traditional recipes, and the people preserving local culinary practices.
Choi’s warm presentation style helped make the program popular.
His conversations with residents gave the series a personal character beyond ordinary cooking shows.
His departure was particularly significant because the program had become an important part of his later career.
His Wife and Family
Choi Bool-am was married to South Korean actress Kim Min-ja.
The couple shared a long marriage and family life.
Kim Min-ja is also recognized for her work in Korean entertainment.
Reports indicated that she and their children were present during his final period of illness.
His family had supported him throughout his medical difficulties.
Although Choi was a major public figure, many details of his household remained private.
Following his death, the focus turned toward honoring his achievements and supporting his surviving relatives.
His family received expressions of sympathy from colleagues, viewers, and public officials.
National Father of Korea
Choi earned the affectionate title “National Father” through decades of memorable performances.
His characters often represented responsibility, fairness, and compassion.
For older viewers, he was a familiar presence during the development of modern Korean television.
Younger audiences encountered his work through reruns, documentaries, and discussions of classic dramas.
His reputation was built on consistency rather than short-lived popularity.
He remained associated with trusted paternal figures even as television styles changed.
The title reflected the emotional connection audiences had developed with his performances.
It also demonstrated his influence beyond individual acting roles.
Highest Cultural Honor
Following his death, Choi Bool-am was posthumously awarded the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit.
The Geumgwan is South Korea’s highest class of the Order of Cultural Merit.
It recognizes exceptional contributions to the country’s cultural development.
The award acknowledged Choi’s extraordinary career in television, film, and theatre.
His work helped establish standards for Korean dramatic performance and popular broadcasting.
The recognition also reflected his lasting influence on national culture.
For many viewers, his achievements represented an important chapter in the history of Korean entertainment.
The posthumous honor became a significant part of the tributes following his passing.
Funeral and Tributes
Choi Bool-am’s death prompted memorial activities and tributes from South Korea’s entertainment community.
Funeral arrangements were associated with Asan Medical Center in Seoul.
The mourning period included opportunities for relatives, colleagues, and admirers to honor his life.
Broadcasters also prepared special programming reflecting on his career.
His performances in classic television dramas received renewed attention.
Public tributes emphasized his professionalism, warmth, and contribution to Korean culture.
The response demonstrated how deeply his work had influenced viewers over several generations.
His death was mourned not only as the loss of an actor but also as the passing of a familiar national figure.
Latest Update
As of November 1, 2026, Choi Bool-am’s reported cause of death remains age-related health deterioration following prolonged medical complications.
The veteran actor died on October 29, 2026, at approximately 10:30 p.m. KST, while hospitalized in Seoul.
His health had declined after spinal disc surgery in March 2025, which was followed by persistent walking difficulties and extended rehabilitation.
He had also withdrawn from his long-running KBS documentary program because of his condition.
Following his death, South Korea honored him with the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit.
Choi Bool-am leaves behind a remarkable legacy through Chief Inspector, Country Diaries, and decades of influential work that helped shape Korean television.
