Kim Hye-soo guards the wake → Kim Kyung-ran and Kim Victoria No express condolences for the late Choi Bul-am [Star Issue]

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As actress Kim Hye-soo’s exceptional devotion in seeing off the late Choi Bul-am has drawn attention, broadcaster Kim Kyung-ran and announcer Kim Victoria No also shared their memories of the late actor on social media, expressing their condolences.

Choi Bul-am passed away at the age of 87 on the 29th of last month while receiving inpatient treatment. During the mourning period, a steady stream of condolences poured in from figures in the cultural and arts communities as well as political and business circles.

In particular, Kim Hye-soo’s presence moved many hearts. From the 30th of last month, when the wake was set up, until the 2nd of this month, when the departure ceremony was held, she stayed by the late actor’s side throughout the entire funeral period.

Videos released online show Kim Hye-soo greeting mourners by bowing at a 90-degree angle. Notably, she personally arranged the shoes left behind by visitors in neat rows and showed meticulous consideration by supporting the late actor’s wife, Kim Min-ja, and ensuring she had her scarf.

The bond between Kim Hye-soo and the Choi Bul-am and Kim Min-ja couple dates back to the 1987 drama "Lament for a Mother." At the time, Kim Hye-soo acted as the daughter of Kim Min-ja’s character, and she subsequently regarded the two as parental figures, maintaining a special relationship with them over many years. Kim Hye-soo once expressed her affection by describing the couple as "like a mother and father" during an appearance on KBS 1TV's "Korean Table."

Broadcaster Kim Kyung-ran also shared her longing for the late actor on social media. On the 3rd, she posted a lengthy message on her SNS, reflecting on her long-standing connection with Choi Bul-am.

Recalling the moment she received the news of his passing, she revealed, "I got a phone call in the early morning hours. I couldn't believe it, yet tears kept flowing."

Kim Kyung-ran stated, "If it had not been for Mr. Choi Bul-am, I could not imagine who I am today, continuing my life on the theater stage as if running full speed." She added, "He opened up dreams that even I did not know I had. He was a teacher and a father who felt such immense pride and joy over even the smallest, seemingly insignificant changes, much like a baby babbling, and always encouraged me," expressing her gratitude.

She continued, "For more than half of my life, I have been connected with him and received an infinite amount of great and pure love in abundance. I will always miss you. I will see you again." She concluded by saying, "I send my love and respect."

Announcer Kim Victoria No also paid tribute to the late actor by posting a video on social media on the 2nd. She recalled being moved by Choi Bul-am’s narration while watching "Korean Table" during her time as a KBS announcer. She revealed, "I would rewind it at least 50 times and ponder what it means to convey things well."

She also noted, "Since I had no direct personal connection with him, I wondered if it was appropriate for me to pay tribute, which is why my response was a bit delayed," while honoring the late actor as "a person who had a profound impact even on someone as small as me, and whom I am grateful to."

Meanwhile, Choi Bul-am debuted in the 1959 play "Hamlet" and left a significant mark on Korean broadcasting history through his work in numerous productions, including the dramas "Susa Banjang" (Chief of Police) and "Country Diary." His departure ceremony and funeral mass were held on the 2nd, and he was interred at Donghwa Memorial Park in Paju, Gyeonggi Province.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original