Award-Winning South Korean Actor Choi Bool Am Draws Attention For His Acts Of Kindness; Veteran Actor Volunteers In Kenya To Help Install Water Tanks
Best-known for his acting skills, South Korean veteran actor Choi Bool Am has another side of him that would inspire other people, be it famous personalities or ordinary individuals. The 75-year-old actor reportedly has been active in volunteering recently.
Korea Joongang Daily forecasted on Oct. 10 that Choi is a chief sponsor for ChildFund Korea, a non-government organization that offers assistance for underprivileged children.
The South Korean actor started helping children 30 years ago after his role for drama series "Lifetime in the Country" adopted a child. Since then, Choi has started to lend a helping hand to children.
June this year, the veteran actor visited Kenya and volunteered to help install water tanks in the African country for better access to water.
The actor initially thought of his condition before he decided to go to Kenya to volunteer.
"Actually, I was pretty concerned due to my age," Choi revealed. "I was knocked out after receiving five vaccinations aimed at preventing tropical disease."
He continued, "However, since Korea has gone on to achieve tremendous development thanks to foreign aid, I believe it is now our turn to give back to other countries. I made up my mind to leave for Kenya after realizing that this might be my last chance to go to such a remote place [to volunteer]."
Choi added that he felt devastated after seeing the children in the African country who are malnourished.
"My whole world felt like it was collapsing seeing those children searching for food in such filth. The situation wasn't much better in Turkana (a district in northwest Kenya), which is about a two-hour flight from the capital. All the children in the village were in despair.
"I vividly remember the eyes of 12-year-old Maina, who I met at the landfill. The child searched for food the entire day, only to find nothing. I also remember many children in Turkana feeling excited about the new water pumps but not being able to express that joy due to a lack of energy," the veteran actor shared.
Choi also added that he is willing to help children who are in dire need, just like the children in Kenya.
The award-winning actor has starred in a number of movies and drama series after he started in 1970s. Choi has also received several recognitions and awards for his talent in acting. Last year, the veteran actor was conferred the Eungwan (Silver Crown) Orders of Cultural Merit, as reported by Korea Times on Nov. 18, 2014.
The merit, which is considered the second highest artistic acknowledgment, was given to Choi and Song Hae.
"I've always thought that if the broadcasting is good, it will help make the country a better place to live. I've expressed anger at the way in which broadcasters focused on raising viewer ratings with sensational ideas."
"Korea is now a great country, so I hope that all those sitting here will work to live up to the country's reputation," Choi said.