Farewells to the "National Actors" One After Another… Lee Soon-jae, Ahn Sung-ki, and Choi Bul-am, the Masters Who Became Stars [Star Issue]

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Veteran actors who led an era of Korean popular culture have passed away one after another, evoking deep regret among the public. Following the passing of actor Lee Soon-jae last year, news of the deaths of Ahn Sung-ki and then Choi Bul-am this year has marked a continuous farewell to the "national actors" who have guarded the living room drama scene and the screen for a long time.

According to the bereaved family on the 30th, the late Choi Bul-am passed away around 10 p.m. on the 29th at a hospital in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, while receiving inpatient treatment. He was 87 years old. It is known that his wife, actress Kim Min-ja, and their children were by his side until the end.

The late actor's wake was set up in Room 20 of the funeral hall at Asan Medical Center in Songpa-gu, Seoul. The bereaved family listed on the memorial included his wife Kim Min-ja, his sons Dong-nyeol and Dong-bi, among others. Actor Na Moon-hee, actor Kim Seong-hwan, singer Jin Sung, former Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yoo In-chon, designer Park Sul-nyeo, and others paid their respects to mourn the late actor.

The late Choi Bul-am debuted in 1959 with the play "Hamlet." He gained great love as a "national actor" through his roles such as the righteous Captain Park Young-han in the MBC drama "Susa Banjang (Investigation Squad)" and Chairman Kim of Yangchon-ri in "Jeonwon Ilgi (Country Diary)." Condolences continue following the death of the national actor.

Prior to the news of Choi Bul-am's passing, veteran actor Lee Soon-jae passed away at the age of 91 in November last year. The late actor debuted in 1956 with the play "Beyond the Horizon" and was active for over 60 years, moving between drama and theater stages.

He established himself as a familiar face to the public not only through historical dramas such as "Heo Jun," "Yi San," and "Ya-in Sidae (The Age of Outlaws)," but also through the sitcom "High Kick!." In particular, his passion for acting that defied age served as an example for junior actors, and he showed a will to continue theater and broadcasting activities until just before his death. In 2024, he received the Grand Prize at the "2024 KBS Drama Awards" for the drama "Gaesori (Dog's Barking)," demonstrating his presence as an active actor until the very end.

Ahn Sung-ki passed away in January this year. He was 74 years old. The late actor debuted as a child actor at the age of 5 and adorned a page of Korean film history by appearing in over 140 films over more than 60 years.

He demonstrated a wide range of acting skills in various works such as "Whale Hunting," "Two Cops," "Simmeodo," and "Radio Star." In particular, he received the love of the public with his kind impression, deep acting, and upright image, earning the epithet of "national actor." He consistently worked both inside and outside the film industry for the development of Korean cinema, also serving as a sturdy support for junior actors.

The empty seats left by these three actors, who have guarded the center of Korean popular culture in their respective positions, evoke regret among the public. The works left behind by the three actors still live on in the memories of the public. The acting careers of the national actors who dominated an era are expected to be remembered for a long time through their works and scenes.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original