Cha Eunwoo Military Update vs. His Brother TV Debut: A Family of Headliners

Cha Eunwoo enlists in military, trends for buzzcut visuals and viral fan moments.
His brother gains fame with TV debut, Fudan University background, and idol-like looks.
Netizens dub them the "ultimate gene combo" for visuals, brains, and charm.

While ASTRO’s Cha Eunwoo (born Lee Dong-min) has officially begun his mandatory military service, his younger brother, Lee Dong-hyun, has unexpectedly captured public attention with his first-ever TV appearance.

The timing couldn’t be more ironic: as Eunwoo trades his polished idol image for military fatigues, his brother’s striking resemblance to him has sparked a wave of admiration online.

Cha Eun Woo’s Younger Brother TV Debut

During a recent episode of tvN’s You Quiz On The Block, eagle-eyed viewers spotted Lee Dong-hyun in the background as a senior intern working behind the scenes. Though his screen time was brief, his visuals, uncannily similar to Eunwoo’s, immediately went viral. Netizens flooded forums with praise, noting his sharp, masculine charm.

“That’s basically Cha Eunwoo though?”
“I understand why people say his brother looks more manly. Even just from his vibes, you can tell that he is handsome.”
“Even though it’s blurry, you can see how handsome he is!”

This isn’t the first time Dong-hyun has trended. Earlier this year, photos of him surfaced online, revealing his impressive academic background.

Born in 1999, he reportedly studied at China’s prestigious Fudan University, one of the country’s top institutions. Netizens were quick to compare his achievements to Eunwoo’s own stellar academic record—proving the Lee brothers excel in both looks and intellect.

“Even if Cha Eunwoo’s parents had 15 kids, it would be understandable… their genes are so good-looking that their children are bound to have happy lives too.”

Cha Eun Woo’s Military Update

Meanwhile, Cha Eun woo himself is adjusting to life as a trainee in the Republic of Korea Army’s military band. Recent photos released by the Army Training Center show him sporting a sun-kissed tan and a crisp uniform, with a blue patch indicating his role as a Company Commander Trainee, a position reserved for standout leaders.
Fans were quick to swoon over his rugged new look:

“His face is top-tier… it’s time for him to be discharged. Just let him out already.”
“He even looks amazing in a military uniform—like something out of a movie.”

As Eunwoo embarked on his mandatory service on July 28, the internet erupted with emotional farewells—and hilarious moments. One particularly viral incident involved a soldier's mother who accidentally captured Eunwoo instead of her own son during enlistment day.

"I was trying to find my son, whom I lost sight of in an instant, and while I was trying to find him again, Cha Eunwoo suddenly appeared in my camera lens! Sorry, son!"

Netizens wholeheartedly related:

"You’ve got to let it go for her this once..LOL."
"He shines even more among all the military cuts LOL."

Prior to enlisting, Eunwoo left fans with a bittersweet live broadcast, showing off his buzzed haircut, his shortest since childhood, and sharing heartfelt words:

"It’s crazy to think that this day has finally come… I’ll come back healthy. I hope you all have good luck in everything you do."

In true Eunwoo fashion, he even made a playful yet "ridiculous" request through fan messages:

"Please don’t forget me, sob."

Fans fired back with equal humor:

"How can I forget him? How ridiculous. How ’bout he try to remember me instead?"
"You’re the representative handsome man. How can we forget you?"

Despite the excitement around his brother’s sudden fame, Cha Eunwoo remains the center of attention. His enlistment, which began on July 28, will last approximately 18 months, with a discharge date set for January 2027.

The Lee brothers simultaneous rise in public interest highlights an intriguing contrast: one stepping into the military, the other stepping into the spotlight. Yet both share more than just good looks, they embody a rare combination of talent, intelligence, and charisma.

And for fans, the wait for Cha Eunwoo’s return just got a little more bearable, thanks to his brother’s unexpected star power.

Source: Chosun, Koreaboo, theqoo, nate news, tVN's You Quiz On The Block