[Dispatch=Reporter Park Hye-jin] A wave of tributes continues for the late Choi Bool-am, known as the "nation's father."

Choi Bool-am passed away around 10 p.m. on the 29th while receiving inpatient treatment at a hospital in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. He was 87 years old at the time of his death.

A procession of mourners spanning the culture, arts, and political sectors followed. In particular, entertainment industry colleagues and junior members made no effort to hide their sorrow.

Actress Na Moon-hee said, "He was our pride..." and added, "I'm deeply sad that he left us first like this. There are so many memories, and I will cherish them well."

Kim Hye-ja said through tears, "I don't think this is the end. I want to tell him, let's meet soon. I will live remembering all the memories we had."

Lee Gae-in shed tears, saying, "Seeing his widow at the funeral home brings tears streaming down. We lived in almost the same neighborhood for nearly 40 years, and I drank with him the most," and continued, "We spent our entire lives together, so how can he leave me first?"

Kang Seok-woo said, "It's disappointing that first-generation giants like Lee Shun-jae and Choi Bool-am have all passed away," and added, "I really regret not treating them with more respect."

Cha In-pyo paid his respects, saying, "The teacher I saw on set treated even junior colleagues with equal respect as a person," and "I pray that he rests peacefully in heaven."

Former Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yu In-chon said, "Because he played the father role for 22 years from my debut work through 'Full House,' I personally think of him as family," and conveyed, "Since I always called him father, it is very regrettable and heartbreaking."

President Lee Jae-myung offered condolences, saying, "He stood by the people as the father of our generation for many years," and "I will deeply remember the teacher's intention to look after the pain of those in need."

Political figures also visited the funeral home. Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young delivered the Gold Tower Cultural Medal that was posthumously awarded to the deceased to his bereaved family.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism stated, "The deceased debuted in the 1959 theatrical production 'Hamlet' and for 67 years consistently stood by the people while working across theater, drama, film, and educational programs."

It continued, "The deceased, who portrayed a down-to-earth and human image of a Korean father, was loved as a 'national actor' across generations," adding this as the reason for the posthumous award.

In addition, Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok, former Democratic Party leader Song Young-gil, former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, among others, paid their respects.

The funeral procession will take place at 7:40 a.m. on the 2nd of next month. At 9 a.m., a funeral mass will be held at Yeouido Cathedral in Seoul. The burial site is Donghwa Kyungmo Park.

<Photo=Joint Photo Coverage Group>