Actor Nam Yoon Soo recently shared a hilarious story about his high school days, revealing how his popularity took a hit after ASTRO’s Cha Eun Woo transferred to his school. The funny confession happened on the August 5 episode of SBS’s Dolsing Fourmen, where Nam Yoon Soo appeared alongside MMA fighter Choo Sung Hoon and singer Park Ji Hyun.
During the show, host Lee Sang Min brought up Nam Yoon Soo’s high school nickname, “Chair King,” and asked about his popularity at Hanlim Arts High School. Nam Yoon Soo laughed as he recalled,
“There was a time when five people confessed to me all at once. I thought of them as just friends, but I guess they didn’t.”
However, things changed when Cha Eun Woo joined the school. Lee Sang Min pointed out,
“They say your popularity dropped when Cha Eun Woo came to your school.”
Nam Yoon Soo agreed, saying,
“Our images were totally different. Cha Eun Woo was a true flower boy. He was already a celebrity back then, so he couldn’t come to school often. But I came to school every day, so I think students liked that about me.”
The hosts joked about the rivalry, with Tak Jae Hoon teasing,
“You’re really trying not to lose to Cha Eun Woo until the end!”
Nam Yoon Soo quickly denied any competition, making the audience laugh.
Nam Yoon Soo’s High School Days as the “Chair King”
Nam Yoon Soo was known as the “Chair King” at Hanlim Arts High School, a nickname that reflected his popularity. He explained that his friendly and approachable nature made him well-liked among students.
“I had long hair, baby fat, and smiled a lot as a student. I think people liked me because I was quite charming.”
Despite his initial popularity, the arrival of Cha Eun Woo shifted attention. Nam Yoon Soo admitted that Cha Eun Woo’s celebrity status and classic good looks made him stand out.
“Eun Woo already debuted as a celebrity, and I left school every day, so I think the kids liked that.”
The hosts humorously compared the two, with Lee Sang Min saying,
“So it’s like, ‘Cha Eun Woo is mysterious, but Nam Yoon Soo is someone you’ll see again tomorrow.’”
Cha Eun Woo’s Impact on School Dynamics
Cha Eun Woo, who was already a rising star as a member of ASTRO, had limited school attendance due to his schedule. Nam Yoon Soo joked that his own daily presence kept him relevant.
Fans online reacted to the story, with many agreeing that both actors were heartthrobs in their school days.
“Both Nam Yoon Soo and Cha Eun Woo in the same high school? Now that’s the high school to go to.” – Netizen comment
This isn’t the first time Nam Yoon Soo has talked about his school rivalry with Cha Eun Woo. In a past interview, he mentioned how students split into “Nam Yoon Soo’s group” and “Cha Eun Woo’s group.”
Nam Yoon Soo’s Recent Projects
Apart from his funny school stories, Nam Yoon Soo has been making headlines for his bold career choices. He recently starred in the LGBTQ+ drama Love in the Big City, where he played a gay character. Despite facing backlash from conservative groups, he remained unfazed.
“I didn’t care about them. I just laughed it off when I got malicious comments. Those people were actually 1 in a 100. I got a lot of messages of support.”
His confident response earned praise from fans, who admired his maturity.
Cha Eun Woo’s Current Activities
Meanwhile, Cha Eun Woo continues to thrive as an actor and solo artist. In 2025, he organized a tribute song for his late ASTRO bandmate Moonbin, showing his deep bond with his group. He is also preparing for his solo fan meeting “THE ROYAL” before his military enlistment.
Fans React to the Funny Rivalry
Social media buzzed with reactions to Nam Yoon Soo’s story. Many found it relatable and entertaining.
“The way Nam Yoon Soo wanted y’all to know so bad that he did not give a single F about your homophobic comments… next question!” – Fan tweet
“Nam Yoon Soo you will always be iconic.” – Another fan comment
The lighthearted exchange on Dolsing Fourmen reminded fans of the actors’ humble beginnings and their journey to stardom.
Also Read: Fans React As ASTRO’s Cha Eun Woo Prepares for Military Enlistment with New Haircut
Credits: SBS’s Dolsing Fourmen, Sports Chosun
