One of the most adored K-pop stars and actors in South Korea, Cha Eun-Woo, will be leaving the limelight on July 28, 2025, to start his mandatory military service.
His enormous fan base, known as AROHA, has been enthralled by the news and has united on social media to send the 28-year-old star farewell with supportive messages.
Eun-Woo forged a deep bond with his fans in the days before his enlistment, sharing his feelings and thoughts in a tearful YouTube livestream.
Eun-Woo will be fulfilling his service in the Army’s brass band after completing five weeks of basic training at boot camp. His agency, Fantagio, confirmed that he successfully applied to join this specialised unit, which allows those with musical and performance backgrounds to serve their country through artistic duties.
The announcement of his acceptance came on 15 July, marking an important milestone for Eun-Woo. He is the second member of the boy group ASTRO to enlist, and his 18-month service is expected to conclude by 27 January 2027.
In the hours before his enlistment, Eun-Woo shared glimpses of his farewell moments on Instagram.
These included a meal with fellow ASTRO members Jinjin, Sanha, and MJ, as well as Moon Sua, the sister of the late ASTRO member Moonbin. Fans were also given a rare look at his new military-style buzz cut.
On 25 July, Eun-Woo took to YouTube to speak candidly with his fans. Describing the experience as “surreal,” he remarked that his haircut was “the shortest” it had been since he was a toddler.
“I’m grateful and thankful. I’ve been doing well meeting people. I miss AROHA too,” he said. “It still doesn’t feel real yet. Still, since albums, movies, and dramas will all be coming out, please don’t forget me,” he urged.
“I’ll come back healthy and well. I wish you all luck in everything you do. I won’t get hurt and will always be careful.. Erm, how do I turn off the live? Once again, thank you and love you.” He mentioned.
Fantagio also issued a statement ahead of Eun-Woo’s enlistment, noting that to avoid safety risks due to large crowds, the details of his enlistment location and time were kept private, with no separate events planned.
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Before heading off, Eun-Woo held a final fan meeting, THE ROYAL, on 12 July, where he shared touching words of gratitude: “I wanted to make you smile and leave you with fun, happy memories. Thanks to all of you, I’ll go and come back healthy and happy. Let’s definitely meet again.”
As Cha Eun-Woo embarks on this new chapter, fans eagerly await his return, confident that his talent and charm will shine as brightly as ever.
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