Actor Choi Jung-woo Passes Away at 68

Actor Choi Jung-woo has passed away at the age of 68, leaving fans reflecting on his remarkable 50-year career in acting and his lesser-known personal life. Born in 1957, Choi began his acting journey in 1975 with the play 'The Life of an Actor.' He later worked as a voice actor for Dongyang Broadcasting in 1980, honing his craft and establishing a strong presence in both film and television.

Choi's filmography includes notable works such as 'Two Cops,' 'Indian Summer,' 'Public Enemy Returns,' 'Lady Vengeance,' 'The Unjust,' 'The Witch,' 'The Drug King,' and 'The Moon,' where he portrayed a variety of authoritative roles, including chaebol chairmen, prosecutors, police officers, and high-ranking officials.

In television, he left a lasting impression with his performances in dramas like 'Love to Death,' 'Strongest Chil Woo,' 'Painter of the Wind,' 'Brilliant Legacy,' 'God's Quiz,' 'Deep-rooted Tree,' 'Advisor Season 2,' 'Say You Love Me,' 'The Lady in Dignity,' and 'My Annoying Brother.' Regardless of the size of his role, he was known as a 'scene-stealer' who commanded attention on screen.

Choi's distinguished appearance and solid acting skills earned him the title of 'Icon of Middle-Aged Actors in Korea,' as he often played serious yet relatable characters that served as the backbone of many productions.

Beyond his acting career, Choi's personal life was revealed in 2023 during an episode of MBN's 'Talk Show Dongchimi,' where he candidly discussed his tumultuous marriage history, stating, 'I registered my marriage three times.' He shared that he rushed into his first marriage in his 30s, which ended in divorce, and he later remarried in his 50s, only to face challenges that led to another divorce.

His third marriage was to a woman 11 years his junior, whom he dated for four years before marrying. He humorously recounted their relationship, mentioning his wife's quirks and how they navigated their differences.

Choi was not frequently seen in variety shows, making his revelations all the more surprising to fans.

His agency, Bless Entertainment, announced on May 27 that Choi Jung-woo had passed away, though the specific cause of death has not been disclosed. His funeral will be held at the Woori Hospital in Gimpo, with the burial scheduled for May 29 at Suwon Yeonhwa Crematorium.