ASTRO member and actor Cha Eun-woo (real name Lee Dong-min) is drawing attention for a rare public appearance during his Army service. Multiple reports say he is currently serving in the military band and appeared Thursday at the 2026 Ministry of National Defense Music Battalion Regular Concert. Traditional Korean musician Shin Soo-ah (also spelled Shin Sua) shared social media photos showing Cha on stage with a hanbok and later in his stage uniform, referring to him as “Corporal Lee Dong-min” and “Sergeant Lee Dong-min.” In the images, viewers comment on a more mature, disciplined look and a noticeably bulked-up physique, attributing the change to his time in the service. The posts also describe the occasion as an honor to perform together and include commemorative photos and an autograph Shin said she received from Cha. Separately, one report notes that earlier this year Cha faced scrutiny after the National Tax Service notified him of additional tax assessments exceeding 10 billion won following an audit; he reportedly paid the full amount of about 13 billion won. Cha reportedly enlisted as an active-duty Army soldier in July of the previous year and is scheduled to be discharged in January 2027.
Cha Eun-woo (Lee Dong-min) appears in rare military update as corporal in Army band
ASTRO member and actor Cha Eun-woo (real name Lee Dong-min) is drawing attention for a rare public appearance during his Army service. Multiple reports say he is currently serving in the military band...
- Cha Eun-woo (Lee Dong-min) is serving in the Army military band.
- He appears publicly at the 2026 Ministry of National Defense Music Battalion Regular Concert on Thursday.
- Photos shared by musician Shin Soo-ah show Cha on stage and refer to him using military ranks.
- The appearances prompt fan reactions focused on a more mature look and a more muscular build.
- Cha enlisted as an active-duty Army soldier in July and is scheduled to be discharged in January 2027.
ASTRO member and actor Cha Eun-woo, whose real name is Lee Dong-min, has been spotted during his military service. On Thursday, traditional Korean musician Shin Soo-ah shared a photo of herself with Cha on social media, writing, "With Corporal Lee Dong-min. It was an honor to perform on the same stage together." In the photo, Cha is seen wearing his stage uniform, showing off his signature handsome looks. His more mature and disciplined appearance during military service also drew attention. Cha enlisted as an active-duty soldier in the Army in July last year and is currently serving in the military band. He is scheduled to be discharged in January 2027. Earlier this year, Cha came under scrutiny after the National Tax Service notified him of additional tax assessments totaling more than 10 billion won following a tax audit. He subsequently paid the full amount, approximately 13 billion won (about $8.8 million), as determined by the audit. Regarding the matter, Cha said, "Having received so much love and support from the public throughout my career, I take this issue very seriously. This
2 hours agoASTRO member and actor Cha Eun-woo has drawn attention after making a rare public appearance during his military service, with fans quickly noticing his noticeably more muscular physique. The singer appeared at the 2026 Ministry of National Defense Music Battalion Regular Concert held Thursday, where he is currently serving as part of the Army military band. The appearance came to light after traditional Korean music performer Shin Sua shared photos with Cha on social media, writing, "With Sergeant Lee Dong-min," in reference to the actor's real name. Dressed in an all-white hanbok, Cha impressed fans with his signature visuals despite his military buzz cut. Many online comments also focused on his broader shoulders and bulked-up build, suggesting military life has made him appear stronger than before. Shin shared several commemorative photos with the star and also showed off an autograph she received from him. She described herself as a "successful fan," expressing excitement over meeting the celebrity in person. Cha enlisted as an active-duty Army soldier in July last year and is curren
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