Cha Eunwoo’s military enlistment appears to be happening sooner than expected, according to Fantagio. Born in 1997, the ASTRO member is eligible to postpone his enlistment until next year. However, it seems he has chosen to enlist earlier, possibly as soon as July 2025.
In 2025 so far, many K-pop idols have begun military service, including Sangyeon, Kim Woojin, Wonwoo, and Seoho. Many popular stars, including Doyoung, Kang Daniel, Hoshi, and Woozi, are scheduled to enlist later this year. Now, Cha Eunwoo has made the list of male celebs who are pausing their careers for military service obligations.
The latest information comes directly from ASTRO’s agency, Fantagio, and is not a rumor.
Cha Eunwoo Military Enlistment Date
On May 9, ASTRO’s agency, Fantagio, officially gave an update on his impending military service, stating, “Cha Eunwoo attended the Army band interview today.”
According to the Military Manpower Administration’s website, the Army Military Band recently initiated its recruitment process. Applications were accepted from late March to early April. The interviews took place at the Ministry of National Defense Military Band Battalion in Seoul National Cemetery. The final selection results are set to be announced on May 29. If confirmed, Cha Eunwoo is expected to begin his military service in July, ahead of his original deadline, as 1997-born idols can legally postpone enlistment until next year.
Another ASTRO member, Jinjin (born in 1996), is scheduled to enlist this year. There is a possibility that the two will begin their active-duty service together.
If Cha Eunwoo enlists in July, he will be discharged by December 2026 or early 2027.
For those unversed, it is mandatory in Korea for all-bodied men to serve a military period of 18-21 months. Each year, dozens of K-pop stars enlist in the military, while many return to civilian life.
Fan Reactions
Fans were kind of expecting the news when Fantagio signed with Kim Seon Ho with a 1 billion won signing bonus. There were whispers that the label had signed with the popular Kdrama star to fill the void made by Cha Eunwoo’s enlistment in the future.
The latest update has left fans heartbroken as they won’t be able to see the idol actor for around 1.5 years. Since it is happening sooner than scheduled, fans need more time to process and accept it. Some of the comments left by AROHAs on social media are
“JK getting out and Eunwoo getting in – how cruel”
“He timed it so he can leave us a drama and a movie while he is away”
“Willing to wait”
“This is sad news but time flies so fast and he will be back in no time”
“I will support him all the way”
What’s Next?
Cha Eunwoo wrapped the filming of the Netflix superhero drama “The WONDERfools” with Park Eun Bin, which will be released next year. The show revolves around a group of neighborhood misfits who gain superpowers in 1999. They team up to fight against villains threatening their city, Haeseong.
That’s not it, he is currently filming the movie “First Ride” (working title) with Kang Ha Neul, also scheduled to release in 2026. The filming is set to wrap this month, and Cha Eunwoo will begin filming content to be released after his enlistment. Prior to enlistment, the “True Beauty” actor will attend an event for The North Face and possibly Paris Fashion Week for YSL.
Meanwhile, ASTRO will hold the 4th ASTROAD concert “Stargraphy” on June 7 and June 8. Since the interview results will be out on May 29, fans are expecting that Cha Eunwoo will personally announce his military service date at the concert.
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