Astro's Cha Eun-woo begins mandatory military service

▲ This March 31, 2025, file photo provided by the Korean Red Cross shows singer-actor Cha Eun-woo. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

   SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- Singer and actor Cha Eun-woo is set to enlist in the South Korean military Monday, where he will serve in the Army's brass band, his agency, Fantagio, said.

   The singer-actor, 28, will fulfill his service in the band after completing five weeks of basic training at a boot camp.

▲ Singer-actor Cha Eun-woo is seen in this captured image from his YouTube live video. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

   On Sunday night, Cha, a member of boy band Astro, connected with his fans through a YouTube livestream to share his thoughts. He described the impending enlistment as "surreal" and noted that his new military-style haircut was "the shortest" it had been since he was a toddler.

   "I will be back safe and healthy. I wish all the best for you all," he said.

   In South Korea, all able-bodied men are required to serve between 18 and 21 months in the military.

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