South Korean actor and prominent Astro band member Cha Eunwoo has embraced Catholicism. His management agency, Fantagio, confirmed on Wednesday that the star was baptised last month while fulfilling his mandatory military duties, The Korea herald reports.
During a June ceremony held at a military Catholic church, the entertainer adopted the baptismal name John the Apostle. Under South Korean military regulations, conscripted soldiers are granted the freedom to attend various religious services voluntarily during their weekend downtime or public holidays. This policy allows active personnel to explore different faiths and attend places of worship regardless of any previous religious background.
Cha Eunwoo commenced his compulsory national service in July 2025. He is currently stationed with the Fanfare Detachment within the Ministry of National Defence’s military band. His official discharge from the military is scheduled for January 27, 2027.
Prior to this announcement, both the celebrity and his agency had kept his personal faith strictly private. This silence was maintained even when observant fans previously sparked speculation after spotting him wearing a Buddhist rosary bracelet.
