Cha Eun-woo, left, and his brother Lee Dong-hwi / Captured from MBC, YouTube
Regardless of being deep into necessary navy service, Ok-pop star and actor Cha Eun-woo is proving he would be the uncommon idol who doesn’t go away the highlight throughout this time. Since enlisting earlier this 12 months, his title has continued to dominate Korean social media because of a collection of viral moments — together with a shock look with BTS’ Jung Kook, new navy photographs and even a sudden highlight on his youthful brother.
New photographs from navy band go viral
On Nov. 29, former Wanna One singer Kim Jae-hwan unexpectedly uploaded mirror selfies taken with Cha Eun-woo, drawing rapid consideration. The 2 are presently serving collectively within the Ministry of Nationwide Protection’s navy band, probably the most aggressive models for performing artists.
Within the photographs, Cha Eun-woo seems in full uniform, with a playful twist: a sheep-shaped hat and Santa-themed glasses, a glance followers rapidly discovered endearing. Feedback ranged from “He’s too cute” to “Solely Cha Eun-woo might appear to be this within the navy.”
Cha Eun-woo, proper, with Kim Jae-hwan / Captured from Kim’s social media
Kim Jae-hwan, who enlisted within the band in July final 12 months, is scheduled for discharge on Dec. 31. Cha Eun-woo, who handed the band’s audition in Could, started service in July and is predicted to finish responsibility on Jan. 27, 2027.
A shock duet with Jung Kook throughout his “silent interval”
Even earlier than the brand new photographs, Cha Eun-woo made headlines on Nov. 22 with a problem video for his pre-enlistment single “SATURDAY PREACHER.” The clip confirmed him performing the choreography in uniform alongside BTS member Jung Kook, whom he’s recognized to be shut mates with.
Cha Eun-woo and BTS’ Jungkook / Xportsnews, captured from on-line neighborhood
On the finish of the video, Cha Eun-woo saluted Jungkook, whereas Jungkook returned the gesture earlier than bursting into laughter. Cha Eun-woo then added, “Thanks.”
The playful change between two international stars instantly went viral, dominating Korean real-time tendencies.
Youthful brother’s sudden rise to fame
One other surge in consideration got here on Nov. 16 with the discharge of a YouTube video from the tutorial channel Sebasi Speak. The add launched Lee Dong-hwi, Cha Eun-woo’s youthful brother, as a researcher at Unbound Lab.
Cha Eun-woo’s brother Lee Dong-hwi seems in a Sebasi Speak video. Captured from Sebasi Speak YouTube channel
Unbound Lab CEO Cho Yong-min mentioned he needed to share “an almost accomplished answer developed by our researcher.” Lee, who majored in media research in China and labored in promoting, mentioned he joined the venture hoping to resolve artistic challenges by means of collaboration.
His resemblance to Cha Eun-woo — comparable options however a distinct vibe — immediately drew huge consideration. Lee was beforehand glimpsed briefly on the June episode of tvN’s “You Quiz on the Block,” which additionally precipitated a surge in on-line searches.
Nonetheless showing in public occasions
Cha Eun-woo on the Asia-Pacific Financial Cooperation summit banquet in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province / Captured from MBC
Earlier than starting service, Cha Eun-woo hosted final month’s banquet for the Asia-Pacific Financial Cooperation summit in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, drawing shock for his look in a swimsuit fairly than in uniform. He opened the occasion by saying, “I by no means imagined I might stand right here because the host,” and continued the night in fluent English — one other second that went viral.
A soldier who by no means disappears from the highlight
Whether or not by means of navy photographs, preproduced music releases, viral TikTok challenges or his brother’s sudden fame, Cha Eun-woo is managing to remain on the heart of public consideration even whereas enlisted.
From a worldwide perspective, it’s uncommon to see a Korean movie star keep such a robust presence throughout navy responsibility — one thing sometimes called “navy hiatus,” or the unavoidable profession hole brought on by enlistment. But Cha Eun-woo seems to be avoiding it solely.
This text from Xportsnews is customized by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Instances.
