Despite being deep into mandatory military service, K-pop star and actor Cha Eun-woo is proving he may be the rare idol who doesn’t leave the spotlight during this time. Since enlisting earlier this year, his name has continued to dominate Korean social media thanks to a series of viral moments — including a surprise appearance with BTS’ Jung Kook, new military photos and even a sudden spotlight on his younger brother.
New photos from military band go viral
On Nov. 29, former Wanna One singer Kim Jae-hwan unexpectedly uploaded mirror selfies taken with Cha Eun-woo, drawing immediate attention. The two are currently serving together in the Ministry of National Defense’s military band, one of the most competitive units for performing artists.
In the photos, Cha Eun-woo appears in full uniform, with a playful twist: a sheep-shaped hat and Santa-themed glasses, a look fans quickly found endearing. Comments ranged from “He’s too cute” to “Only Cha Eun-woo could look like this in the military.”
Kim Jae-hwan, who enlisted in the band in July last year, is scheduled for discharge on Dec. 31. Cha Eun-woo, who passed the band’s audition in May, began service in July and is expected to complete duty on Jan. 27, 2027.
A surprise duet with Jung Kook during his “silent period”
Even before the new photos, Cha Eun-woo made headlines on Nov. 22 with a challenge video for his pre-enlistment single “SATURDAY PREACHER.” The clip showed him performing the choreography in uniform alongside BTS member Jung Kook, whom he is known to be close friends with.
At the end of the video, Cha Eun-woo saluted Jungkook, while Jungkook returned the gesture before bursting into laughter. Cha Eun-woo then added, “Thank you.”
The playful exchange between two global stars immediately went viral, dominating Korean real-time trends.
Younger brother’s unexpected rise to fame
Another surge in attention came on Nov. 16 with the release of a YouTube video from the educational channel Sebasi Talk. The upload introduced Lee Dong-hwi, Cha Eun-woo’s younger brother, as a researcher at Unbound Lab.
Unbound Lab CEO Cho Yong-min said he wanted to share “a nearly completed solution developed by our researcher.” Lee, who majored in media studies in China and worked in advertising, said he joined the project hoping to solve creative challenges through collaboration.
His resemblance to Cha Eun-woo — similar features but a different vibe — instantly drew massive attention. Lee was previously glimpsed briefly on the June episode of tvN’s “You Quiz on the Block,” which also caused a surge in online searches.
Still appearing in public events
Before beginning service, Cha Eun-woo hosted last month’s banquet for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, drawing surprise for his appearance in a suit rather than in uniform. He opened the event by saying, “I never imagined I would stand here as the host,” and continued the evening in fluent English — another moment that went viral.
A soldier who never disappears from the spotlight
Whether through military photos, preproduced music releases, viral TikTok challenges or his brother’s sudden fame, Cha Eun-woo is managing to stay at the center of public attention even while enlisted.
From a global perspective, it is rare to see a Korean celebrity maintain such a strong presence during military duty — something often referred to as “military hiatus,” or the unavoidable career gap caused by enlistment. Yet Cha Eun-woo appears to be avoiding it entirely.
