Seoul:South Korean actor Choi Bool-am, renowned for his portrayal of paternal figures in television dramas, has passed away at the age of 87, his family confirmed on Friday. Choi, whose real name was Choi Young-han, died at around 10 p.m. on Thursday while receiving treatment at a hospital in western Seoul.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Choi had faced difficulties walking following surgery for a herniated disc last year, which led to his departure from the longstanding role as host of the KBS documentary program "Korean Food Table." In honor of his contributions to Korean culture, Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young posthumously awarded Choi the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit, the highest class of South Korean cultural decoration.

Choi, born in Incheon in 1939, studied theater and film and began his acting career in 1959 on stage. He joined the National Theater Company of Korea in 1965 and transitioned to television in 1967. Choi became widely recognized for his role as detective Park Young-han in the crime drama "Chief Inspector," which aired from 1971 to 1989. He solidified his status as a paternal figure in Korean television through his role in "Country Diaries," a series that aired for 22 years.

Choi's career spanned nearly seven decades, during which he took on various roles across TV, films, and theater. Known for his versatility, Choi often played elder characters and continued to accept smaller roles despite his fame. His final appearance was in "Chief Detective 1958" (2024), alongside actor Lee Je-hoon.

In addition to acting, Choi briefly served as a lawmaker in the 14th National Assembly from 1992 to 1996. He was also active in promoting children's and youth rights, leading to his funeral being hosted by the Chorogusan for Children foundation. Choi is survived by his wife, Kim Min-ja, and their two children.