[THE FACT|Reporter Kang Il-hong] Today, we begin with sad news. A great star in the entertainment industry has passed away.

Actor Choi Bool-am, who captured the joys and sorrows of modern Korean history through his acting and was loved by the nation, has passed away at the age of 87. Actress Kim Soo-mi passed away two years ago in October, and actor Lee Soon-jae passed away last November. It is even more heartbreaking that such giants of the entertainment industry have passed away consecutively around this time each year.

In dramas, he was a detective chief who upheld justice, and in rural villages, he was the warm Chairman Kim. And to us, he was always like a dependable father.

Choi Bool-am passed away around 10 p.m. on the 29th at a hospital in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, where he was receiving inpatient treatment.

Born in 1939, the late actor began his acting career on the theater stage after attending Seoul Central High School and Seorabeol College of Arts. He debuted in the 1959 play 'Hamlet' and embarked on his full-fledged acting career after entering broadcasting in 1967.

His acting career spanned an impressive 67 years.

In particular, the MBC drama 'Chief Inspector,' which aired from 1971 to 1989, deeply etched the name Choi Bool-am into the hearts of Korean viewers.

The character of Chief Inspector Park Young-han, which he portrayed, was not just a simple detective. He was a character who, while pursuing criminals, never lost his compassion for humanity and his belief in justice.

'Chief Inspector' became a symbol of Korean-style detective dramas. Through this work, Choi Bool-am earned the nickname 'Eternal Chief Inspector.'

There is another work that cannot be overlooked.

It is MBC's 'Country Diaries,' which aired for 22 years from 1980 to 2002.

He played the role of Chairman Kim in Yangchon Village, depicting the joys and sorrows of an ordinary rural family alongside actress Kim Hye-ja.

He was not a flamboyant hero but the image of a father we could meet around us. This is why his acting was special.

He also showed a strong presence in numerous other works such as 'You and I,' 'Eyes of Dawn,' 'Age of Heroes,' and 'Gourmet.'

From his youth, he did not shy away from playing older roles and broadly portrayed historical figures. He played former President Syngman Rhee and took on a role modeled after Chung Ju-yung, a symbolic figure in modern economic history.

His stage of activity was not limited to acting.

In 1992, he entered politics and served as a member of the 14th National Assembly, after which he returned to acting. Since 2011, he has hosted KBS 1TV's 'The Korean Table,' sharing stories of food and the people behind it from across the country.

This program, which lasted for 14 years, was a representative broadcast activity that showcased Choi Bool-am's unique warm gaze and down-to-earth charm.

However, after undergoing surgery for a herniated disc last year, he experienced mobility issues and eventually stepped down from 'The Korean Table.' He had been focusing on rehabilitation, but his health reportedly deteriorated.

The last update on the late actor's condition was in June.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hui-young released photos and news from his visit to the hospital. Even while lying in his hospital bed, Choi Bool-am greeted visitors with his characteristic hearty laughter.

They also made a promise to share a drink of makgeolli once he was discharged. Anecdotes were shared about him smiling brightly while reminiscing about 'Eunseong,' a pub run by his mother.

However, that promise was never fulfilled.

In May of this year, the MBC documentary 'Paha, It's Choi Bool-am,' looking back at his 60-year acting career, was released and garnered attention. Although the late actor himself could not appear on camera due to his family's wish for him to focus on rehabilitation, it was a meaningful time to reflect on his life and acting world.

Numerous awards and honors also attest to his achievements. He was recognized for his acting skills at the Baeksang Arts Awards and the Grand Bell Awards, and in 2014, he received the Eungwan Order of Cultural Merit. He also continued his honorary police activities for his contribution to increasing public trust in the police through 'Chief Inspector.'

He protected his family by staying with his wife, actress Kim Min-ja, for his entire life, and he also contributed to sharing activities for children and adolescents.

Choi Bool-am was not just an actor who was good at acting. He was the face of an era and the image of a father remembered by our society.

His laughter, his deep voice, and his acting that prioritized people are now left in memory.

Chief Park from 'Chief Inspector,' Chairman Kim from 'Country Diaries,'

Whatever his role, he was an actor who stayed by our side for many years,

The eternal Chief Inspector, the father of the nation, Choi Bool-am.

The funeral hall has been set up at Asan Medical Center in Seoul, and the funeral will be conducted under the auspices of the Save the Children Korea.

We offer our deepest condolences.

Actor Yoo Hae-jin has been named as a recipient of the Presidential Commendation at the 2026 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards, despite the controversy surrounding historical distortion in the film 'Assassins (s).'

What is the meaning of a government award given to an actor at the center of controversy?

The film 'Assassins (s)' is based on the assassination attempt on First Lady Yuk Young-soo in 1974, adding cinematic imagination to the official investigation results of the time to trace the suspicions and masterminds behind the incident. However, criticism arose regarding the way historical facts were handled, and the controversy spread to the political sphere and online.

Eventually, members of conservative organizations protested in front of Yoo Hae-jin's home, and the police took safety measures to protect him. The film's disruption of events related to the Busan International Film Festival and official schedules also led to attention shifting from the work to the individual actor.

In this situation, the Presidential Commendation is noteworthy.

This award should be seen not as an evaluation of the historical interpretation of a specific film, but as recognition of Yoo Hae-jin's long-standing activities and achievements in the film and popular culture and arts fields. It is necessary to distinguish the nature of the award, which recognizes the cumulative achievements of an individual actor, from the controversy.

In addition to Yoo Hae-jin, singer Kang Seung-won, the band Boohwal, the group Super Junior, film director Jang Hang-jun, and actors Ryu Seung-ryong and SO JI SUB were also named as recipients of the Presidential Commendation at this year's ceremony.

Attention was also drawn to the list of recipients of the Cultural Merit medals. National MC Yoo Jae-suk received the Bo-gwan Order of Cultural Merit, and the late Shin Hae-chul was posthumously awarded the Eun-gwan Order of Cultural Merit, among other figures who contributed to the development of popular culture.

For Yoo Hae-jin, this award serves as an opportunity to reflect on his acting career and his contributions to popular culture, even amidst the controversy.

However, government awards do not resolve the debate surrounding the film's historical interpretation. How to harmonize the verification of historical facts, freedom of creation, and public criticism remains a challenge.

It is a time when a balanced perspective is needed, viewing the controversy as it is and the achievements as they are.

Lee Yong's song 'Forgotten Season' conveys the melancholic atmosphere of autumn with just its first few lines. Even as time passes, its status as the symbolic song of October remains unchanged. While the song's popularity endures, why is it that the singer is not as frequently invited to appear on broadcasts as before? /Online Community

As the last day of October approaches, one song inevitably comes to mind: Lee Yong's 'Forgotten Season.'

"I still remember. The last night of October..."

With just the first few lines, the song perfectly conveys the melancholic atmosphere of autumn. Even as time passes, its status as the symbolic song of October remains unchanged. It is frequently played on the radio around this time, and singer Lee Yong naturally receives public attention.

However, the atmosphere in the broadcasting industry seems to be quite different lately.

Until a few years ago, in late October, Lee Yong would receive a flood of invitations for broadcasts and events. Especially as many listeners wanted to hear 'Forgotten Season,' broadcast appearance requests poured in.

But these days, the situation is said to have changed. The song's popularity remains, but the singer is reportedly not being invited to broadcasts as much as before.

According to a broadcasting official, there was an instance where an appearance was discussed and confirmed a month in advance, but just a few days before the broadcast, they were suddenly informed that it was difficult to appear due to a scheduling conflict.

It is said that behind this was a more lucrative event schedule, and as similar situations repeated, trust in the broadcasting industry was damaged.

Of course, events are an important source of income for singers. There are realistic reasons why they might choose stages with higher appearance fees.

However, if the act of canceling a previously scheduled broadcast appearance at the last minute to pursue higher profits repeats, the issue becomes different. It is difficult to avoid criticism for not only breaking promises with broadcasters but also for lightly regarding the schedules prepared by the production team and the responsibility to the viewers and listeners.

However, as these are accounts from broadcasting officials, it is necessary to confirm the specific circumstances and Lee Yong's side of the story.

Ultimately, a singer's competitiveness is not solely built on one hit song. In addition to the value of a masterpiece built over a long time, trust with colleagues and professional responsibility must be supported.

'Forgotten Season' is still the representative song of the last night of October. However, the song being loved and the singer being trusted in the broadcasting industry are separate issues.

As October draws to a close this year, with 'Forgotten Season' playing once again, are there not aspects that singer Lee Yong should reconsider, just as the song's emotion is moving?

BTS, who is continuing their global tour beyond North America and Europe into South America, is receiving fervent cheers worldwide. The secret to BTS's popularity is being analyzed from sociological and political perspectives by South American scholars, drawing attention.

It's not simply because the music is good or the stage is spectacular. They are focusing on BTS's music and message, and the strong sense of community created by the fandom, ARMY.

First, Professor Constanza Jorquera, a political scientist at the University of Diego Portales (Chile), explained BTS's success from the perspective of Korean cultural diplomacy.

The analysis suggests that K-pop is playing a role in promoting Korea's national image to the world beyond just music.

In particular, she assessed that BTS has gained global support by addressing themes that resonate with today's youth, such as self-love, mental health, and social justice.

She also did not overlook the role of the ARMY fandom.

ARMY is not simply a group of fans consuming music, but a community that shares a sense of belonging and inclusivity. She analyzed that the organizational power of fans formed online has the potential to extend to social activities and political participation.

Professor Ademar Díaz Aparicio, a sociologist and anthropologist at the National University of San Marcos (Peru), shared a similar perspective.

He explained that fans experience solidarity and brotherhood through BTS, finding a sense of belonging in online communities that is difficult to obtain from everyday life, such as school or family.

The analysis suggests that communication and information sharing through social media enhance the cohesion of the fandom and create their own collective identity.

Furthermore, BTS's interest in and respect for the cultures of various countries were cited as factors that strengthen their bond with fans. This is because fans feel that their own culture and identity are respected.

Ultimately, BTS's global popularity lies in its power to create empathy, solidarity, and a sense of belonging beyond music.

The reason BTS connects young people around the world, and the analysis by South American scholars, makes us think once again about what the true competitiveness of a global fandom is.

The moment that the fandom 'Eunhasu' has long awaited has finally arrived.

Singer Jang Hanbyul's first solo concert will kick off tomorrow at the Daehan Hall of Sejong University in Seoul.

This concert will take place over the weekend of October 31st and November 1st, with a total of three performances. The concert title is 'THE STAR IS BORN.'

This is the stage where the dream that Jang Hanbyul has long cherished is finally becoming a reality.

For a singer, a first solo concert holds more meaning than just a performance. It is a venue where they meet the audience solely with their own songs and stage under their own name. For Jang Hanbyul, it is expected to be an unforgettable moment of emotion.

Above all, the excitement of the fans who have been waiting for this performance is also extraordinary.

For the fandom 'Eunhasu,' numbering nearly 40,000, this concert is a special festival where they can fully express their long-held cheers and love.

The news that they will be able to hear the new song 'Miya,' released on the 12th, live has further heightened the fans' anticipation.

Being able to hear the new song, which they first encountered as a sound source, in person, and to sing along with Jang Hanbyul in the same space is a special gift for the fans.

The first solo concert that has been long awaited, and the moment of emotion that the singer and fans will create together,

'THE STAR IS BORN,' heralding Jang Hanbyul's new beginning.

I also plan to visit the concert hall tomorrow to observe the atmosphere.

The anticipation is already high for the cheers of Eunhasu filling Daehan Hall and how Jang Hanbyul will respond with their performance.

eel@tf.co.kr