On July 28, 2025, Cha Eun-woo — beloved ASTRO member, actor, and soloist — quietly stepped into a new chapter of his life: mandatory military service.
The 28-year-old star, known for his dazzling visuals and heartfelt performances, enlisted in the Republic of Korea Army’s brass band, marking a temporary pause in his entertainment career. His enlistment was private, in accordance with his agency Fantagio’s wishes, but the emotional ripple it caused was anything but quiet.
📸 A Final Glimpse Before Duty
Just hours before heading off, Cha Eun-woo shared a series of intimate Instagram posts:
- A selfie showing off his buzz cut — “the shortest my hair’s been since I was a toddler,” he joked during a livestream.
- A farewell meal of ramyeon, shared with ASTRO members MJ, JinJin, Yoon San Ha, and Moonbin’s sister, Moon Sua.
- A heartfelt message: “You’ll miss me lots, right? It still doesn’t feel real… But since my album, movie, and drama are all coming out, please don’t forget me!”
🎬 Projects to Keep Fans Company
Though Eun-woo won’t be on stage or screen for a while, fans won’t be starved of content:
- His Netflix drama The Wonder Fools is set to premiere soon.
- His film The First Ride will mark his big-screen debut.
- A solo album is also in the pipeline, though its release date remains under wraps.
💌 Fan Reactions: Pride, Tears, and Endless Support
Social media lit up with messages of love and longing:
- “Stay healthy, Oppa. Go safely, come safely.”
- “I’m gonna miss him so much. I’m so sad, but still, I have to wait for his return.”
- “Dongminnie, we love you so much.”
Clips from his recent fan meetings and concerts — including his July 12 meet-and-greet and June 28 solo show — are being reshared as fans relive their favorite moments.
What’s Next?
Cha Eun-woo will undergo five weeks of basic training before officially joining the Army’s brass band. His service is expected to last 18 months, with a projected discharge in January 2027.
As he trades stage lights for military drills, fans around the world are holding onto his promise: to return safe, healthy, and ready to shine once again. Until then, his music, dramas, and memories will keep the flame burning.
SINON 