"Paha, Choi Bul-am" highlighted actor Choi Bul-am's acting life and life philosophy, and tearful recollections from junior actors followed.
On the 12th, the MBC documentary "Paha, Choi Bul-am" revisited actor Choi Bul-am's life and acting world accompanied by music.
In that broadcast, Choi Bul-am's image was conveyed as being remembered by juniors as "a true adult," beyond being merely a national actor. In particular, Ko Doo-shim, who played daughter-in-law and father-in-law for 22 years in "Country Diary," recalled Choi Bul-am with deep respect. Ko Doo-shim recalled, "When I think of teacher Choi Bul-am, I imagine a father like a rustic, rough earthenware pot sitting quietly in a corner," and added, "He was a father who seemed like he would listen to everything." She went on to say, "The father figure in 'Country Diary' was less acting and more the teacher's philosophy itself."
Chae Sira, who played a father–daughter pair in the drama "Parting Has Left," watched footage from that time and eventually shed tears. Chae Sira said, "Although the shoot lasted one day, I was truly grateful," and added, "Even in that brief moment, the father's presence and love were all there. His very existence felt like a father."
Yoo Jin, who worked with him 20 years ago in the drama "I Really, Really Like You," also said, "I can't believe the years have passed," and recalled, "He was such a kind and comforting person. I felt like I truly became a daughter."
The story of Geum-dong from "Country Diary," which left a deep impression on many viewers, was also mentioned. In the drama, Choi Bul-am played a father who embraced his adopted son Geum-dong with his heart, and the role of Geum-dong was played by actor Lim Ho. Lim Ho recalled, "His way of embracing him like my own child seemed to move viewers' hearts."
However, Choi Bul-am confessed that he felt heavy at heart while portraying that role. He said, "Although it was a story born from the writer's pen, it weighed on my conscience," and added, "There are children like Geum-dong in reality, and I wondered whether we should really be helping them."
And that thought led to real action. Afterward, Choi Bul-am continued steady child sponsorship activities, turning it into a long-term practice rather than a one-time donation. The impact spread even to fellow entertainers. Comedian Lee Hong-ryeol said, "Becoming a publicity ambassador in 1998 and working with teacher Choi Bul-am was truly a stroke of luck," and added, "He was truly an adult." He went on to reveal, "Seeing teacher Choi led me to help children for nearly 30 years."
Ko Doo-shim also said, "No matter how great an actor, one cannot hide one's roots and character," and added, "Teacher had a real father's philosophy." Lim Ho also recalled, "Geum-dong represented the marginalized children of our society," and said, "Teacher Choi Bul-am was an elder in the acting world who considered social responsibility most important."
His passion for acting was also extraordinary. Choi Bul-am expressed his affection for the stage in life by saying, "The theater is a place where we cry and laugh together and share joys and sorrows," and juniors described him as "a person who dreamed his whole life" and "like an eternal Peter Pan." Choi Bul-am, who had long been called the nation's father, showed the true image of an "adult."
[Photo] "Paha, Choi Bul-am" broadcast screen capture
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