ASTRO member and actor Cha Eunwoo has received official acceptance into South Korea's Army Military Band and will begin his mandatory military service on July 28, 2025. His agency Fantagio confirmed the news on May 29 after the Military Manpower Administration announced the results of band recruitment selections.
The 28-year-old star will become the second ASTRO member to fulfill military obligations, following MJ who completed his service in 2023. Cha Eunwoo initially applied for the Army Military Band in late March and underwent proper procedures including an interview at the Ministry of National Defense's military band unit.
Fantagio released an official statement explaining the enlistment process.
"Cha Eun-woo applied to join the Army Military Band and received a final acceptance notice from the Military Manpower Administration today. He will enter the training center on July 28 and undergo basic military training before fulfilling his duty in the Army Military Band," the statement read.
"To prevent safety accidents due to congestion on the day of enlistment, the location and time of Cha Eun-woo's enlistment will be kept private, and there will be no separate events held," it continued.
Cha Eunwoo will serve approximately 18 months in the military band, with an expected discharge date around January 2027. Before beginning his service, he will first complete basic military training at a designated training center, then transition to his specialized role within the military band where he can utilize his musical and performance background.
The star has several commitments before his departure. He will participate in ASTRO's fourth solo concert "The 4th ASTROAD [Stargraphy]" scheduled for June 7 to 8 at Inspire Arena in Incheon. Additionally, he is currently filming the upcoming Netflix drama "The Wonder Fools" alongside actress Park Eun Bin, which is expected to premiere in 2026.
Cha Eunwoo recently appeared in the critically acclaimed thriller "Wonderful World" with Kim Nam Joo and made a guest appearance in IU's music video for "A Beautiful Person." He also released his debut solo EP "Entity" in February.
ASTRO originally debuted as a six-member group in 2016, but the band has faced changes over recent years. Rocky departed in February 2023, and member Moonbin tragically passed away in April 2023. The group currently continues as a four-member ensemble.
