Cha Eun Woo’s collaboration with Arden Cho for a cover of “Free” from K-Pop: Demon Hunters has sent waves of excitement across the internet. The surprise announcement came via a special video posted by ELLE Korea on July 12, instantly grabbing fans’ attention. Arden Cho, during an interview segment, casually dropped the news, delighting viewers as she revealed that she would be teaming up with a “precious dongsaeng” for the cover. Just as curiosity peaked, ASTRO’s Cha Eun Woo made a surprise appearance, confirming that he was the mystery collaborator.
The news struck a particularly emotional chord with fans, given Eun Woo’s deeper connection to the song. He was the muse for the animated character Jinu in K-Pop: Demon Hunters, which made fans long to hear his rendition of “Free”—a track that beautifully narrates Jinu and Rumi’s emotional journey. Originally sung by EJAE and Andrew Choi, “Free” became an instant hit after the film’s release, and many artists, including Ahn Hyo Seop, have since covered it. But for many, Eun Woo’s voice was the missing piece, and now that it’s becoming a reality, anticipation is at an all-time high.
During the announcement, fans also noted that Eun Woo appeared dressed strikingly like Jinu, further immersing himself into the identity of the character he inspired. The visual cue didn’t go unnoticed, with social media quickly lighting up with comparisons between the real-life idol and his animated counterpart. Fans flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram with comments calling the pair “Jinu and Rumi in real life,” reflecting just how strongly they associate Cha Eun Woo and Arden Cho with their on-screen personas.
Expectations surrounding the cover are sky-high, not just because of Eun Woo’s ethereal visuals and heartfelt vocals, but also due to the emotive synergy he shares with Arden. Fans believe this collaboration will add fresh depth to the song, especially given how closely Eun Woo’s energy aligns with Jinu’s sensitive and reflective character. Arden’s announcement only added to the excitement, as she asked viewers to “look forward to it” and hinted at how special the experience of recording the song was for her.
With this duet, fans are not just anticipating a musical treat but also an emotional extension of K-Pop: Demon Hunters itself. Given the personal significance the song holds in the universe of the film—and its connection to Eun Woo—the upcoming release promises to be more than just a cover. It’s a long-awaited full-circle moment that celebrates the magic of character, music, and real-life inspiration blending into one.
