Cha Eun Woo Spotted in Military Attire for APEC Summit Duties

Cha Eun Woo attended APEC in military attire.
His new movie 'The First Ride' is now playing.
A new album is coming November 21.

While currently dedicated to his mandatory military service, Cha Eun Woo is proving that his star power is impossible to dim. The ASTRO member, who enlisted back in July as part of the Army Band and now holds the rank of Private First Class in the Ministry of Defense Support Unit, recently made a surprise public appearance that sent fans and netizens into a frenzy.

It seems that even the structured life of a soldier can't contain the captivating aura of the "Face Genius," as he effortlessly turned a formal duty into a headline-making moment.

The sight of Cha Eun Woo in his military uniform has become an instant sensation, captivating the online community. His recent public outing showcased a different kind of charisma, one of discipline and duty, yet still radiating the same undeniable charm that made him a star. The combination of his sharp visuals, tall physique, and the dignified military attire created a powerful image that left many in awe. So, what was the occasion for this stunning appearance? Let's take a closer look at what he's been up to, both in and out of uniform.

Cha Eun Woo Steals the Spotlight at APEC in Military Attire

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit 2025 is a major international event hosted in Korea, and all eyes were on the high-profile attendees, including RM of BTS. However, another star was quietly and professionally contributing to the proceedings which is Cha Eun Woo.

On October 30, the idol-actor was spotted in Gyeongju, where he was carrying out his duties as part of the Ministry of Defense Support Unit for the upcoming summit.

In a video that quickly spread across online communities, Cha Eun Woo was seen walking confidently into the venue, his military uniform perfectly complementing his striking looks and commanding presence.

Naturally, netizens were quick to flood the internet with their reactions, unable to contain their admiration. Comments poured in, with many expressing their astonishment.

"Is he filming a drama in uniform?”

“I didn’t know military uniforms could look this good.”

“Even in uniform, he’s on another level.”

This appearance wasn't for a promotional event or a drama role, it was a genuine display of him serving his country, and his ability to captivate the public even in this capacity is a true testament to his enduring influence.

Cha Eun Woo's Artistry Continues to Shine During His Service

What's truly remarkable is that even while Cha Eun Woo is fulfilling his national duties, his artistic projects are ensuring he remains a vibrant presence in the entertainment world.

In a clever move to keep fans engaged during his absence, he prepared a slew of content to be released throughout his service period. His latest film, 'The First Ride', a comedy about five friends of 24 years embarking on their first overseas trip together, premiered on October 29. To promote the film, a pre-enlistment interview was released where Cha Eun Woo shared his thoughts on the project and his character, Yeon Min.

In the interview, he provided insightful details about his role, describing Yeon Min as “a quiet, somewhat introverted guy, but when he’s with his friends, he shows a quirky side. He’s good-looking and small in stature, but he dreams of becoming a world-famous DJ despite being a bit of a loner.”

He also reflected fondly on his time with the star-studded cast, sharing a memorable anecdote about Kang Ha Neul.

“He’s always cheerful on set. Even during makeup, he’d greet everyone with a big ‘Hi! Hi, hi!’ and brighten up the mood. He’s a warm senior, friend, and older brother figure,” Cha Eun Woo shared.

When asked to describe the film in one word, he chose 'Youth'.

“Youth is dazzling and beautiful, but it also comes with pain, lessons, and growth. ‘The First Ride’ captures that mix, through the friends’ first trip together, they experience, learn, and grow," Cha Eun Woo concluded.

But the surprises don't end there. In an exciting gift for fans, Cha Eun Woo is also set to release his second mini-album, 'ELSE', on November 21. The album was recorded prior to his enlistment and serves as a meaningful connection to his supporters.

A "Coming Soon" teaser video released on October 24 has already generated massive excitement, showcasing a dramatic transformation. The teaser presents a mysterious and intense version of Cha Eun Woo, a stark contrast to his usual bright image. He is seen with a distressed expression, holding his face in his hands, with makeup resembling wounds and a leather jacket adding a raw, charismatic edge. This bold concept for 'ELSE', his first solo release in approximately one year and nine months, promises to reveal a new artistic depth, ensuring that while the soldier is away, the artist is very much present and continuing to evolve.

Watch 'ELSE' teaser by Cha Eun Woo below:

Source: Allkpop, YouTube/예능 뭐볼래, YouTube/fantagio