As military service continues to be a sensitive topic in East Asia, especially among celebrities, South Korean singer-actor Cha Eun-woo is earning praise for his responsible and respectful attitude toward his national duty. In stark contrast to recent controversies surrounding Taiwanese male stars like Darren Wang (王大陸), Nine Chen (陳零九), and Teddy Chen Xiangxi (陳向熙)—all criticized for allegedly avoiding military service—Cha Eun-woo is setting an example by preparing to enlist, despite an incredibly packed career schedule.
Currently 28 years old, Cha Eun-woo, famously dubbed South Korea’s "face genius" due to his striking visuals, is actively involved in several high-profile projects. He is presently filming The WONDERFools, a Netflix original superhero K-drama, which has generated significant buzz. In addition, he’s gearing up for his big-screen debut in the upcoming movie First Ride, which follows the emotional and comedic journey of four close friends turning 30 as they embark on a memorable road trip.
On top of his acting projects, Cha is also maintaining his music career. As a member of the popular K-pop group ASTRO, he has scheduled concerts and fan meetings in both South Korea and Japan throughout the year—showing no signs of slowing down.
Yet, despite this momentum, Cha Eun-woo has formally applied to fulfill his military duties by joining the South Korean Army Band, a prestigious position that allows enlisted men to serve while contributing their talents to the military's ceremonial and entertainment functions. His application was officially submitted on May 9, and fans are eagerly awaiting the results, which are expected to be released on the Military Manpower Administration’s website by May 29.
Should the application be approved, Cha Eun-woo is expected to begin his enlistment as early as July 2025.
This proactive and patriotic step has been well received by fans and the general public alike. Unlike other celebrities who try to delay or avoid enlistment, Cha’s transparency and preparedness demonstrate maturity and responsibility—further solidifying his reputation not just as a top idol, but also as a role model.