Behind the calm image lies a surprising truth: Cha Eun-woo’s true feelings about the military might just ruin his “perfect” image. What happened during that livestream?

For years, Cha Eun-woo—idol, actor, and beloved member of ASTRO—has maintained a squeaky-clean image: polite, composed, and seemingly devoted to his responsibilities, both on- and off-screen. So when news broke that he would be enlisting in the South Korean military on July 28, fans praised his maturity and dedication, hailing him as a model citizen.

But recent developments suggest that things may not be as they appear.

In a rare and low-key livestream, which has since been widely shared in online fan communities, Eun-woo may have inadvertently revealed his true feelings about his upcoming military service—and they’re not what you’d expect from someone who has long been seen as the perfect “national son-in-law.”

The Livestream That Changed Everything

The now-infamous livestream started off innocently enough. Eun-woo chatted with fans, answered light-hearted questions, and shared a few behind-the-scenes stories. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary—until a viewer asked him how he was feeling about his military enlistment.

What happened next stunned viewers.

Cha’s face reportedly tensed for a moment, and after a short pause, he gave a curt answer:
“I’ll do what I have to do… but honestly, I don’t see the point of it all anymore.”

He then followed up with a series of statements that some interpreted as criticism of South Korea’s mandatory military system, saying:
“Sometimes it feels like it’s less about service and more about control.”
“There are things I’d rather be doing with my time, things that actually matter to me.”

While he didn’t name anyone or say anything overtly rebellious, the tone of discontent in his voice, combined with his subtle expressions of frustration, were enough to raise eyebrows—even among his most loyal fans.

A Side of Eun-woo Fans Have Never Seen

Cha Eun-woo has built his career on discipline and humility. Whether acting in high-rating dramas or gracing magazine covers, he’s always appeared composed and respectful. But this livestream showed a more raw, conflicted version of the idol, one that isn’t always visible under the spotlight.

Some fans defended his comments, calling them an honest reflection of how many young men feel before being drafted.
“Eun-woo is human too,” one user commented. “It’s okay to be nervous, scared, or even frustrated about losing almost two years of your life.”

But others weren’t so forgiving.

Critics argue that as a public figure, Eun-woo has a responsibility to set an example—especially given how sensitive and nationally symbolic military service is in South Korea. Some have gone as far as to accuse him of “disrespecting the soldiers who serve without complaint.”

Why This Matters More Than Ever

In South Korea, military service is a deeply emotional and political issue, especially for celebrities. The country has long been critical of stars who try to evade service, and even minor signs of reluctance can spark massive backlash.

While Eun-woo never said he wouldn’t go—he repeatedly confirmed that he will enlist on July 28—the emotional distance in his voice and unfiltered choice of words were enough to stir public doubt about his sincerity.

The timing couldn’t be worse. With tensions rising in East Asia and national security once again becoming a hot topic, public trust in national service is under scrutiny—and celebrities are expected to fall in line.

What Happens Now?

So far, Cha Eun-woo’s agency has not released an official statement addressing the livestream. Some fans speculate that they may try to sweep the incident under the rug, hoping that it gets buried in the next wave of entertainment news.

But the damage may already be done.

Clips of the livestream have already spread across online forums and social media platforms like wildfire, and with his enlistment date approaching, the controversy threatens to overshadow what should have been a respectful send-off.

Will Eun-woo issue an apology? Will the military respond? Or will the public let this moment slide?

Only time will tell.

But one thing is certain: behind the polished smiles and choreographed performances lies a young man grappling with the weight of duty, expectations, and his own truth—and now the world is watching.