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Cha Eun Woo, the popular actor and member of ASTRO, is preparing to enlist in the South Korean military on July 28. In the lead-up to this significant transition, he has been actively engaging with his fans and finalizing projects that will keep his presence alive even during his absence. One of the most anticipated offerings is a new solo album, which he has been quietly working on behind the scenes. According to a July 16 report by Korean media outlet My Daily, the album is scheduled for release sometime after his enlistment. This post-enlistment release is seen as a heartfelt gift to his fans, something for them to hold on to while he fulfills his mandatory service. The timing adds emotional weight to the project, heightening expectations for what’s to come.
Fantagio, Cha Eun Woo’s agency, responded to the reports by confirming that he is indeed preparing a solo album. While they acknowledged the project’s existence, they remained vague about the specific release date, stating that it is still being finalized. Nonetheless, insiders in the music industry have revealed that the album’s production is well underway. In fact, filming for its related content reportedly wrapped up the previous week, and the record is now in post-production. If everything proceeds smoothly, the album is expected to drop as early as September. Notably, this release will feature two title tracks, suggesting that Cha Eun Woo is aiming to make a strong musical statement even in his absence. Fans who loved his first solo mini-album, ENTITY, released in February 2024, have high hopes. That project earned widespread acclaim and impressive sales, moving over 210,000 units in its debut week. The upcoming release is already being framed as a continuation of that success—if not a step up.
Cha Eun Woo has been making a concerted effort to connect with his fans ahead of his enlistment. On July 12, he held a fan meeting in Seoul under the title THE ROYAL, followed by another event in Japan on July 15. These gatherings gave supporters a chance to see him up close and express their love before his hiatus begins. In addition to music, the actor-singer has several screen projects in the pipeline. He is set to star in the Netflix original series The Wonder Fools and the film First Ride, both of which are expected to keep his acting momentum alive during his military service. He also recently launched Cha Eun Woo VR Concert: MEMORIES, a virtual reality experience that allows fans to enjoy his performances in a uniquely immersive format. As his enlistment approaches, it’s clear that Cha Eun Woo is doing everything he can to leave his fans with memorable content and a sense of closeness that will carry them through his time away.