Voice actor and actor Choi Byung-hak, known for his roles in “The Third Republic” and “Love and Ambition,” passed away on the 8th at the age of 85.
According to his family, Choi died of acute myocardial infarction on the afternoon of the 8th. Born in 1940 in Yecheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do, he joined MBC’s voice acting team in 1965 after working with Korean Broadcasting (now EBS) since 1961.
Renowned for his voice acting in animations like “Mazinger Z” and “Ultraman,” Choi also played the role of Professor Kingsfield in the foreign drama “The Paper Chase” and narrated the radio drama “Legends of Korea.” In 1992, he received the Best Male Voice Actor award at the 19th Korean Broadcasting Awards.
As an actor, he actively participated in dramas such as “The Third Republic,” “Love and Ambition,” “Reeds,” and “Love and War.”
Choi was dedicated to teaching proper speech techniques at universities and broadcasting academies, earning him the reputation of a “guide in speech education.” He authored books like “The Path to the Microphone,” “Broadcast Speech,” and “Choi Byung-hak’s Speech Odyssey.”
Choi was also known as the father of former MBC anchor Choi Yul-mi.
His funeral is arranged at the first room of the Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital Funeral Hall, with the service set for 7:10 AM on the 11th.