(ATTN: UPDATES with gov't's posthumous conferral of cultural merit medal in 4th para)

SEOUL, Oct. 30 (Yonhap) -- South Korean actor Choi Bool-am, widely known as the nation's father figure for his portrayals of paternal characters in popular television dramas, has died, his family said Friday. He was 87.

Choi, whose real name was Choi Young-han, died at around 10 p.m. Thursday while receiving treatment at a hospital in western Seoul, according to his family.

The actor had experienced difficulties walking after undergoing surgery for a herniated disc in March last year, prompting him to step down as host of the KBS documentary program "Korean Food Table," which he had hosted for 14 years since 2011.

Late South Korean actor Choi Bool-am is seen in this photo during an interview with Yonhap News Agency in Seoul on Nov. 3, 2015. (Yonhap)

In recognition of his lifelong contribution to Korean television, film and theater, Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young posthumously conferred the Geumgwan (Gold Crown) Order of Cultural Merit, the highest class of South Korean cultural decoration, on Choi and delivered the award to the late actor's family at his funeral home in Seoul on Friday.

Born in Incheon in 1939, Choi studied theater and film at Sorabol College of Arts and Hanyang University. He made his stage debut in a production of "Hamlet" in 1959 before joining the National Theater Company of Korea in 1965.

He began his television career in 1967 after joining Seoul Central Broadcasting, the predecessor of KBS.

Choi became a household name through his role as detective Park Young-han in MBC's long-running crime drama "Chief Inspector," which aired from 1971 to 1989.

In an essay, Choi called "Chief Inspector" one of his favorite works, saying his heart still beats when he hears the theme song for the TV series, and that he had learned a lot about life through it.

He cemented his reputation as a Korean father figure through his role in MBC's rural family drama "Country Diaries," which ran for 22 years from 1980 to 2002, one of South Korea's longest-running television series.

This footage from an MBC documentary shows late South Korean actor Choi Bool-am appearing in the rural family drama "Country Diaries." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Throughout his acting career of nearly seven decades, Choi was a versatile actor, with his performances spanning across TV, films and theatrical plays.

He was not afraid to take on small roles even after he became a household name and was known for playing roles of older people from early in his career, including playing former President Rhee Syng-man in his 80s when the actor was actually in his 40s.

He often appeared as husband and wife with fellow actor Kim Hye-ja in hit shows, including "Country Diaries" and "Princess Hours" (2006), most recently.

Choi last appeared in "Chief Detective 1958" (2024), the prequel to the popular TV series "Chief Inspector," alongside actor Lee Je-hoon, who plays the grandson of Choi, who follows in his grandfather's footsteps to also become a police detective.

This photo, provided by broadcaster MBC, shows late South Korean actor Choi Bool-am. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Choi briefly entered politics in 1992, serving as a proportional representation lawmaker in the 14th National Assembly from 1992 to 1996 under the Unification National Party.

The actor's hallmark laugh and easygoing attitude were traits that made him a beloved figure across different generations.

Choi emceed several current affairs and educational programs, and his laugh became a favorite for many actors and comedians to imitate.

Being one of the country's most acclaimed veteran actors, Choi received numerous accolades, including the Baeksang Arts Awards for Best Actor in both TV and theater, the Daejong Film Awards for Best Actor and national merits. He was also the first civilian to be appointed as an honorary National Investigation Headquarters director.

In addition to his acting and political career, Choi was devoted to promoting the rights of children and youth. In recognition of his efforts, his funeral will be hosted by the Chorogusan for Children foundation.

The actor is survived by his longtime wife Kim Min-ja, also an actor, and two children.

This file photo shows late South Korean actor Choi Bool-am speaking at an event for the Chorogusan for Children foundation in 2018. (Yonhap)