Actor Choi Bul-am's heartfelt philosophy was reexamined, explaining why he was called the nation's father for so long. It was not just a role confined to drama but a life that acted to become someone's father in reality, leaving a deep resonance.
The MBC documentary Paha, Choi Bul-am, which aired on the 12th, depicted the life and acting world of actor Choi Bul-am with music. This two-part documentary, structured in a radio format, captured the candid story of actor Choi Bul-am, who walked alongside modern Korean history.
Especially notable was the story of "Geum-dong's father" in the drama that remains in the memories of many. In the drama, Geum-dong was an adopted son, but Choi Bul-am embraced Geum-dong more sincerely than anyone and showed a profound paternal love in his performance.
Lim Ho, who played Geum-dong at the time, recalled, "His way of embracing him like my own child must have touched viewers' hearts." In fact, Choi Bul-am's warm acting moved many viewers deeply.
But Choi Bul-am himself confessed that he felt heavy-hearted after that role. He said, "It was a story that came from the tip of the writer's pen, and it weighed on my conscience," and confessed, "I thought it should truly help in reality."
In the end, he did not stop at the story within the drama. He decided to become a father to Geum-dongs in reality as well and began long-term child sponsorship activities. Beyond simple donations, he had a significant impact on drawing attention to socially marginalized children.
That influence extended to his fellow actors. Kim Hye-ja also was influenced and is said to have participated with the cast of Jeonwon Ilgi in supporting children in difficult circumstances. The campaign that attracted national attention at the time was also one of the changes created by Choi Bul-am's sincerity.
Ko Doo-shim said, "He lived with a philosophy as a father," and added, "No matter how great an actor, one cannot hide one's roots and character." Lim Ho also expressed his respect, saying, "Geum-dong represented the marginalized and struggling children of our society," and "Teacher Choi Bul-am was an elder in the acting world who regarded social responsibility as most important."
Above all, Choi Bul-am's words leave a deep aftertaste. He described himself as "a clown who cries on behalf of people." It was a passage that felt the sincerity of actor Choi Bul-am, who did not just play a father in acting but wanted to be a warm father to all the children of the world.
Later he even released a song called "Dad's words" to convey his intentions. Choi Bul-am wanted to remain a steady adult for someone even outside acting. That is why many people still call him "the father of the acting world."
[Photo] "Paha, Choi Bul-am" broadcast screen capture
[OSEN]