Cha Eun Woo Prepares for Military Service with Army Band Interview

Cha Eun Woo, the popular singer and actor from the K-pop group ASTRO, has taken a significant step toward his mandatory military service. On May 9, 2025, he attended an interview for the Republic of Korea Army’s military band. The interview took place at the Ministry of National Defense’s band unit in Seoul National Cemetery. His agency, Fantagio, confirmed his participation but noted that results are still pending. Fans are eagerly awaiting updates on his enlistment journey.

The application process for the Army military band began in late March 2025. Interviews were held on May 9, with final results set to be announced on May 29 via the Military Manpower Administration’s website. Eyewitnesses reported seeing Cha Eun Woo at the venue, sparking buzz among fans. Fantagio stated,

“Cha Eun Woo applied for the Army’s military band and has completed his interview. The results will be announced on May 29, so it’s difficult to provide further details as we do not yet know if he has been accepted.”

If selected, Cha Eun Woo will begin basic training in July 2025. After training, he will serve as a member of the Army military band, known for its ceremonial duties and musical performances. This role is considered prestigious, and many idols aim to join it.

Cha Eun Woo, born Lee Dong-min in 1997, is 28 years old. South Korean law requires all able-bodied men to enlist by age 28. He would be the second ASTRO member to enlist, following MJ, who served from May 2022 to November 2023. The military band is a popular choice for idols, as seen with MJ, who also served in this unit.

Despite his upcoming service, Cha Eun Woo remains active in his career. He is currently filming the Netflix series The Wonder Fools, where he plays Lee Woon Jung, a socially awkward civic servant. The show is a superpower comedy featuring Park Eun-bin. He is also set to star in the film First Ride as Yeon Min, alongside Kang Ha Neul and Kim Young Kwang. The movie, expected in 2026, follows three friends on a trip abroad.

Fans expressed mixed emotions on social media after the news broke. Many shared support but admitted they were unprepared for his enlistment.

“Everything makes more sense now… him worrying Aroha would be bored in 2025, how badly he wanted to release the moon song, #stargraphy being a full group show… He was telling us in his own way & we just didn’t see it💔🌙”
“He’ll always have our support, love, and heart! He’s assertive, we’ll be with him anywhere at any time! We’re not prepared for this news. We never would be. We’ll miss him for sure, but may the best be done for him, because he deserves nothing less!”

Cha Eun Woo’s recent projects show his dedication to fans before enlistment. He released a tribute song, Memory of the Moon, in 2025 for his late ASTRO bandmate Moonbin, who passed away in April 2023. He also organized ASTRO’s first solo concert in three years, The 4th ASTROAD [Stargraphy], set for June 7 and 8 at Incheon Inspire Arena.

His global influence remains strong. In 2024, he was named the most influential man in South Korea’s fashion industry and starred in ads for 13 brands. Madame Tussauds included him in its Hot 100 list in 2025. He also donated ₩100 million through the Korean Red Cross in March 2025 to support wildfire recovery in Ulsan, Gyeongbuk, and Gyeongnam.

The military band interview marks a new chapter for Cha Eun Woo. If accepted, he will serve for 18 months, likely until early 2027. Fans are rallying behind him, sharing messages of love and encouragement. His enlistment will pause his thriving career, but his projects ensure fans have much to look forward to.

Cha Eun Woo’s versatility as an actor, singer, and philanthropist continues to shine. His role in The Wonder Fools is generating buzz, with filming ongoing. First Ride promises to showcase his big-screen talent. As he prepares for potential military service, his commitment to his craft and fans remains unwavering.

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