Cha Eun Woo, a member of K-pop boy group ASTRO, has officially begun his mandatory military service in South Korea.
The 28-year-old star quietly enlisted on Monday, July 28, 2025, without a public event, in keeping with his agency Fantagio’s request for a private send-off.
According to Fantagio, Cha Eun Woo will be serving in the Republic of Korea Army’s brass band.
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On the evening of July 27, the day before his enlistment, Cha Eun Woo greeted fans through a YouTube livestream, describing the moment as "surreal" and revealing his new buzz cut — the shortest his hair has been since early childhood.
"I will be back safe and healthy. I wish all the best for you all," he said.
Cha Eun Woo also shared some heartwarming photos from his farewell meal with ASTRO co-members MJ, JinJin, and Yoon San Ha, along with Billie’s Moon Sua—the younger sister of his late bandmate Moonbin—as seen on his Instagram account.
Read: ASTRO member Moonbin to be given private funeral
In addition, the singer-actor took to the online community platform TheQoo to share a heartfelt message with his fans.
He asked them not to forget him and reminded them that his album, movie, and TV drama will be released during his absence.
While the Netflix show The Wonder Fools and the movie The First Ride are set to premiere soon, the release date of his album has yet to be announced.
He wrote, "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!"
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Fans Show Love and Support for Cha Eun Woo
The simple yet emotional message quickly went viral.
Fans around the world have been expressing both pride and sadness at his temporary departure from the spotlight.
"Stay healthy, Oppa. Go safely, come safely," read one fan’s message on X (formerly Twitter).
Another said, "Eunwoo will start his military enlistment today. Don’t get hurt, stay healthy, and come back safely, Dongminnie. We love you so much."
One fan added, "I'm gonna miss him so much. I'm so sad, but still, I have to wait for his return. Keep safe there, Cha Eun Woo."
Others have flooded social media with video clips and photos from his fan meetings and concerts.
Cha Eun Woo recently held a fan meet-and-greet on July 12 and a solo concert on June 28, marking his final public appearances before enlistment.