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🇰🇷 South Korea /Culture & Society

Documentary Celebrates Choi Bul-am's 60-Year Acting Journey

From Hankyoreh · (3m ago) Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A documentary titled 'Paha Choi Bul-am is Me' aired on MBC, celebrating the 60-year acting career of veteran actor Choi Bul-am.
  • The documentary, presented in a radio format with actor Park Sang-won as host, explored Choi's journey from theater to television, including his role as the 'national father' in dramas like 'Country Diaries'.
  • While Choi is currently undergoing rehabilitation and did not appear directly, the documentary featured interviews with colleagues and archival footage, including his personal reason for transitioning to broadcasting: his wife.

The recent broadcast of the MBC documentary 'Paha Choi Bul-am is Me' offers a poignant look into the illustrious 60-year career of our beloved actor, Choi Bul-am. Though he is currently undergoing rehabilitation and could not make a personal appearance, the program, hosted by actor Park Sang-won, masterfully wove together his journey through music and memories.

My mother would say, 'Please watch my son who is doing theater,' and the customers would give advice like, 'You shouldn't speak so slowly.'

— Choi Bul-amRecalling his early days in theater and his mother's support.

From his early days dreaming of the arts near his mother's shop in Myeongdong to his theatrical debut and eventual transition to television, the documentary highlighted the moments that shaped his path. It's a story that resonates deeply with the Korean public, who have come to know him as the quintessential 'national father' through iconic roles in 'Country Diaries' and 'The Last Mission of the Angel'.

What truly sets this narrative apart, as revealed in past interviews featured in the documentary, is the deeply personal reason behind his move from the stage to the screen: love. Choi Bul-am's decision to leave the National Theater Company was, by his own admission, to be with the woman who would become his wife. This blend of professional dedication and personal commitment is a narrative that Koreans understand and cherish, showcasing a different facet of his enduring legacy beyond his on-screen persona.

The reason I decided to move to Korean Broadcasting was because of one woman. My wife, Kim Min-ja, is that protagonist. After meeting her, I decided to leave the National Theater Company. I chose love over theater.

— Choi Bul-amExplaining his personal motivation for transitioning from theater to television broadcasting.

The documentary also brought together a constellation of stars, including PD Kim Han-young and writer Kim Jeong-soo from 'Country Diaries,' and PD Go Seok-man from 'Chief Investigator,' alongside actors like Park Geun-hyung, Baek Il-seop, and Go Doo-shim. Their shared memories and anecdotes provided a rich tapestry of Choi Bul-am's impact on the industry and his colleagues, offering a glimpse into the camaraderie and respect he commanded on set. This collective reflection underscores his significance not just as an actor, but as a mentor and a pillar of the Korean entertainment landscape.

He seemed like someone who lived on set. He would take naps in his room on set and eat his meals there. Since then, I also try not to leave the set.

— Jung Kyung-hoActor Jung Kyung-ho sharing his observations about Choi Bul-am's dedication to his craft.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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