The late actor Choi Bool-am left a heartfelt farewell message in a KBS documentary, reflecting on his 14-year journey with ‘Korean People’s Table’ and his final words before passing at 87 on October 29, 2026.
Final Farewell: A Message of Gratitude and Humanity
In the KBS documentary, Choi Bool-am reflected on his time on ‘Korean People’s Table,’ a show that spanned 14 seasons from 2011 to 2025. He described the program as the most beautiful broadcast of my life
and expressed deep appreciation for the audience, saying, How can I repay the love of the people? I am grateful. For me, working until my body breaks is how I repay that love.
His words, delivered with warmth, highlighted his commitment to connecting with viewers through the stories of ordinary Koreans.
The documentary also revealed his personal reflections on life, including a touching message to his wife: When I see flowers, I think of my wife.
He spoke about the importance of kindness, stating, If you feel a good heart, that's happiness,
and emphasized the value of planting a flowering tree in our hearts.
These quotes, shared during a 2024 shoot, underscored his belief in nurturing joy and connection, even in his final days.
The Documentary That Summed Up His Life
His final message to the camera, I love you all,
was a simple yet powerful farewell. The KBS documentary also featured footage of him embracing elderly citizens he met during his travels, with one viewer describing him as just like a father.
His global reach was evident in his work with overseas Korean communities, where he shared the skies, mountains, seas, people, and food of their homeland,
as he put it.
Legacy of Connection and Gratitude
Choi Bool-am’s journey on ‘Korean People’s Table’ was not just about food but about preserving the stories of ordinary people. He noted, I realized that our people achieved this, which is why we became a prosperous nation,
reflecting on the history embedded in traditional dishes. His travels took him to Germany, Mexico, China, the U.S., Brazil, Sakhalin, and Kazakhstan, where he connected with compatriots longing for home. How powerful is this instinct to return? It’s remarkable,
he said, highlighting the emotional ties that bound Koreans abroad to their roots.
His final words, Embracing the warm season, I step down,
were a calm and dignified sign-off. The KBS documentary concluded with a tribute to his 14-year dedication to the show, which aired 688 episodes. His legacy lives on through the memories of those who watched him, as well as the programs that continue to celebrate his work.
Choi Bool-am’s funeral, held at Asan Medical Center in Seoul, was organized under ChildFund Korea, reflecting his lifelong support for children. His final request for a documentary and his heartfelt messages to the public have left a lasting impact, ensuring his voice and vision endure through the stories he shared.