Cha Eunwoo's Military Service: A New Chapter Begins

July 28, 2025 marks a significant milestone as ASTRO's beloved member and acclaimed actor begins his mandatory military service

Breaking News: Enlistment Day

Today, July 28, 2025, marks a bittersweet day for K-pop fans worldwide as Lee Dong-min, better known by his stage name Cha Eunwoo, officially begins his mandatory military service in South Korea. The 28-year-old multi-talented star has enlisted in the prestigious ROK Army Military Band, where he will serve for approximately 18 months until January 2027.

After months of preparation and anticipation, Cha Eunwoo's enlistment has become reality. The star was accepted into the Army Military Band after applying in late March 2025 and successfully completing the rigorous interview process in May. His acceptance into this selective military unit reflects not only his musical talents but also his commitment to serving his country with distinction.

The Journey to Enlistment

The path to this day began several months ago when Cha Eunwoo applied for the Army Military Band. The process was thorough and competitive, requiring him to demonstrate his musical abilities and undergo various evaluations. In May 2025, he received the final acceptance notice from the Military Manpower Administration, confirming his place in this elite unit.

Leading up to his enlistment, Cha Eunwoo maintained an incredibly busy schedule, demonstrating his professionalism and dedication to his fans. He continued filming the upcoming Netflix series "The Wonder Fools," where he plays Lee Woon Jung, and completed work on the film "First Ride" as the character Yeon Min. This commitment to finishing his projects before enlistment showcases his responsible approach to both his career and military obligations.

A Heartfelt Farewell

On July 12, 2025, just weeks before his enlistment, Cha Eunwoo held his final fan meeting titled "THE ROYAL" at Kyung Hee University's Grand Peace Palace in Seoul. This emotional event served as a farewell to his devoted fanbase, AROHA, who have supported him throughout his career. The significance of this farewell was not lost on fans, who gathered to show their love and support for their beloved idol.

In the days leading up to his enlistment, Cha Eunwoo shared glimpses of his preparation, including his dramatic hair transformation. True to military requirements, he cut his signature long hair into a regulation buzz cut, shocking fans with the dramatic change. Despite the stark difference in appearance, fans praised his dedication and noted that his visual appeal remained unchanged even with the military-style haircut.

Who is Cha Eunwoo? A Brief History

Early Life and Background

Born Lee Dong-min on March 30, 1997, in Gunpo, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, Cha Eunwoo grew up to become one of K-pop's most recognizable faces. Before his entertainment career began, he was an exceptional student, known for his academic prowess and striking visuals that would later earn him the title of "face genius" in the Korean entertainment industry.

Rise to Stardom with ASTRO

Cha Eunwoo's journey to stardom began when he was discovered by Fantagio Entertainment as a trainee. In 2016, he debuted as a member of the six-member boy group ASTRO, alongside fellow members MJ, Jinjin, Rocky, Moonbin, and Sanha. ASTRO quickly gained recognition for their fresh, youthful concept and catchy songs like "Hide & Seek," "Breathless," and "All Night."

Within ASTRO, Cha Eunwoo serves as the main visual, vocalist, and face of the group. His ethereal visuals and charming personality made him stand out not just within the group but across the entire K-pop industry. ASTRO's popularity grew steadily, with the group earning a dedicated international fanbase known as AROHA.

Acting Career Breakthrough

While his music career with ASTRO was flourishing, Cha Eunwoo began exploring acting opportunities that would establish him as a serious performer beyond the idol stage. His acting debut came with a supporting role in the web drama "To Be Continued" in 2015, but it was his subsequent projects that truly showcased his acting potential.

His breakthrough role came in the hit drama "My ID is Gangnam Beauty" (2018), where he played the male lead Do Kyung-seok opposite Im Soo-hyang. The drama was a massive success, cementing his status as a rising actor and introducing him to viewers who might not have been familiar with his music career.

Following this success, Cha Eunwoo continued to build his acting portfolio with notable roles in "Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung" (2019) alongside Shin Se-kyung, and "True Beauty" (2020-2021) with Moon Ga-young and Hwang In-yeop. "True Beauty," in particular, became a global phenomenon, further establishing his international recognition and proving his ability to carry a drama as the male lead.

The Multi-Talented Star

What sets Cha Eunwoo apart in the entertainment industry is his versatility. Beyond singing and acting, he has proven himself as a capable variety show host, model, and brand ambassador. His intelligent and articulate personality has made him a sought-after guest on talk shows and variety programs. He has also graced the covers of numerous fashion magazines and served as the face of various luxury brands.

His academic background is equally impressive. Cha Eunwoo attended Sungkyunkwan University, one of South Korea's most prestigious institutions, where he studied Performing Arts. This educational foundation has contributed to his well-rounded approach to entertainment and his ability to articulate himself eloquently in interviews and public appearances.

Recent Projects and Achievements

In the years leading up to his military service, Cha Eunwoo continued to expand his artistic horizons. His recent projects include diverse roles that showcase his growing range as an actor. The upcoming Netflix series "The Wonder Fools" and the film "First Ride" represent his continued commitment to challenging himself with different genres and characters.

As a member of ASTRO, he has also continued to contribute to the group's musical evolution, participating in songwriting and creative processes. The group's discography has matured alongside its members, reflecting their growth as artists and individuals.

Military Service: A Rite of Passage

In South Korea, military service is a mandatory obligation for all able-bodied men, typically lasting 18-21 months depending on the branch of service. For celebrities and public figures, enlistment often represents a significant pause in their careers, but it's also viewed as an important rite of passage and demonstration of civic duty.

Cha Eunwoo's acceptance into the Army Military Band is particularly noteworthy. This unit is highly competitive and selective, accepting only those with exceptional musical talents. Members of the military band perform at official state functions, ceremonies, and public events, representing the Korean military through music. This assignment suggests that Cha Eunwoo will continue to utilize his musical talents even during his service period.

The training process begins with approximately five weeks of basic military training, where all enlisted personnel learn fundamental military skills and protocols. Following this intensive period, he will be assigned to his specific military band unit, where he will serve as an active-duty soldier while contributing his musical abilities to the band's performances.

Looking Ahead: The Future After Service

While Cha Eunwoo's enlistment marks a temporary pause in his entertainment activities, both his agency Fantagio and his fans remain optimistic about his return. Military service, while challenging, often provides public figures with valuable life experiences and a different perspective that can enrich their artistic expression upon return.

The K-pop industry has numerous examples of successful comebacks post-military service. Stars like Taeyang, G-Dragon, and others have returned to even greater success, often with increased maturity and artistic depth. Cha Eunwoo's diverse skill set across music, acting, and variety entertainment positions him well for a strong return to the industry.

His agency has indicated that while he serves, there will likely be minimal public activities, allowing him to focus entirely on his military duties. However, fans can still look forward to his previously completed projects, including "The Wonder Fools" and "First Ride," which will be released during his service period.

A Message of Support

As Cha Eunwoo begins this new chapter, the overwhelming response from fans has been one of support and understanding. AROHA from around the world have expressed their pride in his decision to serve and their commitment to waiting for his return. Social media has been flooded with messages of encouragement, fan art, and pledges of continued support.

The Korean entertainment industry and his fellow celebrities have also shown their support, recognizing that military service is an important civic duty that deserves respect and admiration. His ASTRO members have expressed their love and support, promising to keep the group's spirit alive during his absence.

Conclusion

July 28, 2025, marks not an ending but a transformation for Cha Eunwoo. As he trades his stage outfits for military uniforms and his microphone for military band instruments, he embarks on a journey that will undoubtedly shape him as both an individual and an artist.

His military service represents the temporary pause of a remarkable career that has seen him evolve from a talented trainee to a global star. With his intelligence, dedication, and natural charisma, there's little doubt that he will serve with distinction and return to the entertainment world with even greater depth and maturity.

For now, fans around the world send their love and support, counting down the days until January 2027, when their beloved "face genius" will return, ready to continue creating the music, dramas, and moments that have made him one of K-pop's most treasured stars.

Until then, we wish Cha Eunwoo strength, health, and fulfillment during his service. May this chapter bring him new experiences, personal growth, and the satisfaction of serving his country with the same dedication he has shown throughout his entertainment career.

Stay strong, Cha Eunwoo. AROHA will be waiting.