Veteran actor Choi Bulam, beloved by generations of viewers as a father figure in Korean entertainment, has been laid to rest. Family members and fellow entertainers gathered to bid him a final farewell, with actress Kim Hye Soo staying by his wife Kim Min Ja’s side and actor Shin Hyun Joon seeing off the funeral procession.
Choi, who passed away on October 29th at the age of 87, was laid to rest on November 2nd. His funeral procession took place at 7:40 AM at the funeral hall of Seoul Asan Medical Center in the Songpa District of Seoul. The procession was held privately at the request of his family.
Family members and colleagues struggled to hold back their tears as the funeral procession carried his portrait.
His wife, actress Kim Min Ja, was supported by Kim Hye Soo as she wiped away her tears with a handkerchief. Kim Hye Soo, who shared a close relationship with the couple for many years, had stayed by the family’s side throughout the three days of the funeral.
Broadcaster Kim Kyung Lan was also seen wiping away tears as she paid her final respects. Ahn Hyun Mo, actor Song Il Kook and Jung Jun Ho were among those who followed the procession with solemn expressions.
Shin Hyun Joon remained at the funeral hall until the hearse carrying Choi’s coffin and the buses transporting mourners departed. He stood by to offer his final farewell.
The funeral procession then headed to Yeouido Catholic Church in Yeongdeungpo District of Seoul, where the funeral Mass was held.
The Mass began at 9 AM and was officiated by Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo Jung. Popera tenor Lim Hyung Joo, who shared a special bond with the late actor, performed “Ave Maria” in tribute to him.
Cardinal Yeom had also visited Choi in the hospital on October 20th, nine days before his passing, to administer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. He previously officiated Choi’s Catholic baptism in 2018 and later presided over his funeral Mass, accompanying the actor through the beginning and end of his faith journey.
Following the funeral Mass, a separate farewell ceremony was held at the headquarters of ChorogUsan for children, where Choi had maintained a relationship for more than 40 years.
The actor’s portrait arrived at the organization’s headquarters in Jung District of Seoul at around 10:40 AM. ChorogUsan for children employees welcomed the portrait, and a staff representative delivered a eulogy honoring Choi’s dedication. A flower-laying ceremony was also held at a memorial space on the building’s first floor.
The funeral procession departed for Donghwa Gyeongmo Park in Paju, where Choi was to be laid to rest.
Choi was appointed national chairman of ChorogUsan for children in 1985 and spent approximately four decades supporting and volunteering for underprivileged children and teenagers. In recognition of his lifelong commitment, his funeral was organized by ChorogUsan for children.
The funeral hall welcomed mourners from across the entertainment industry, politics, and business over the three days from October 30th.
Kim Hye Ja, who played Choi’s wife for 22 years on MBC’s long-running drama Country Diary, was among the entertainers who paid their respects. Other cast members, including Ko Doo Shim, Lim Ho, Eom Yoo Shin, Kim Ji Young and Nam Sung Jin, and Lee Gye In, also visited the funeral hall.
Veteran actors Na Moon Hee, Park Geun Hyung, Oh Ji Myung, Kang Boo Ja and Lee Duk Hwa offered their condolences as well. Park Sang Won, Cha In Pyo and Song Seung Heon, who worked with Choi on You and I, and Lee Je Hoon, who appeared alongside him in Chief Detective 1958, also paid their final respects.
Political and business figures also visited the funeral hall, including Seoul Mayor Oh Se Hoon, People Power Party lawmaker Na Kyung Won, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui Sun, and Asan Foundation Chairman Chung Mong Joon.
Choi had continued rehabilitation after undergoing surgery for a herniated disc in March 2025. His health reportedly deteriorated recently, and he passed away on October 29th at the age of 87.
The South Korean government posthumously awarded Choi the Order of Cultural Merit, Geumgwan (Gold Crown), on October 30th in recognition of his contributions to the development of Korean popular culture and the arts.
>> Acting Legend Choi Bulam Dies at 87
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