Cha Eun Woo's mandatory military service has already become a trending topic online after reports surfaced of fellow soldiers being awed of his visuals during dishwashing duty. The 28-year-old ASTRO member, who enlisted at the Nonsan Army Training Center in South Chungcheong Province on July 28, was reportedly tasked with washing dishes as part of his basic training. While the chore is a routine duty for new recruits, eyewitnesses claimed that many soldiers deliberately handed their plates to him just to catch a glimpse of his face, turning a mundane task into a viral moment across social media platforms.
Accounts from the base revealed that Cha's striking looks even led to a drill sergeant stepping in, telling soldiers to 'stop staring, he's human too'. Fans quickly joined the conversation online, with one user joking, 'His face card is so lethal they couldn't resist', while another admitted, 'Honestly, I'd do the same'. Comparisons were also drawn to similar incidents involving other K-pop idols in the army, highlighting the challenges celebrities face when adapting to military life. Despite the awkward attention, Cha Eun Woo has also earned praise for being appointed as a Company Commander Trainee, a leadership role given to recruits who display responsibility and sincerity.
Cha Eunwoo was assigned to dishwashing duty in military training and company commander.
— About Music (@AboutMusicYT) August 19, 2025
Soldiers reportedly kept bringing their dishes to him just to catch a glimpse of his face. pic.twitter.com/1642yvsfJA
📸 Lee Dongmin (#ChaEunwoo) has been officially assigned as a Company Commander Trainee, a temporary but prestigious leadership role overseeing a company of approximately 100 to 200 soldiers. His new rank is indicated by the blue tag on his uniform.
— CHA EUNWOO 차은우 INTERNATIONAL (@ChaEunwooINTL) August 12, 2025
This position places him… pic.twitter.com/THvJRqHa2W
The idol-actor, who is set to serve in the Army band after his training, is expected to be discharged on January 27, 2027. Until then, fans will be relying on updates from official military channels and his bandmates, as agency Fantagio has urged supporters not to send letters or gifts. With upcoming projects such as his film First Ride releasing later this year and Netflix's The Wonderfuls in 2026, Cha Eun Woo's popularity continues to thrive even while he fulfils his national duty.
