According to Korean media, recently, a series of photos of Cha Eun Woo (Astro) performing with a military band are spreading on online communities and social networks.
This event is said to take place on April 23. In the photo, the male singer and actor appears on stage in a solemn vest, holding a microphone and saluting in a military style towards the audience.
In particular, the image of him standing on stage in the middle of a symphony orchestra creates the feeling of watching a elaborately and professionally staged performance. The serious posture and calm expression make many people comment that this is indeed "visual (image representative) of a military band".
This appearance of Cha Eun Woo received a lot of attention, because this is his first public appearance since the tax scandal broke out at the beginning of this year.
Previously, Cha Eun Woo was investigated by the Korean National Revenue Service for tax related to the transaction structure with a company registered under a family member's name, and initial information said that he was retroactively taxed about 20 billion won - considered the highest tax arrears for Korean celebrities, shocking the entertainment industry.
After a review and adjustment process before settlement, a portion of corporate income tax and value-added tax previously paid was determined to be double-taxed. Therefore, the actual amount Cha Eun Woo had to pay additionally was finalized at about 13 billion won.
Cha Eun Woo enlisted in July 2025 and is currently serving with the rank of Corporal in a military band. He is expected to be discharged on January 27, 2027.
On April 8, Cha Eun-woo apologized and said he respected the process as well as the results of the National Tax Service. He said he had completed the payment of all related taxes and felt most guilty for making fans trust him disappointed.
He also said he would review his activities more carefully and seriously to avoid repeating similar incidents.
Meanwhile, the movie "The wonderfools" starring Cha Eun Woo and Park Eun Bin is scheduled to be released on May 15 on Netflix.
The wonderfools" is a humorous adventure about superheroes set in 1999, telling the story of a group of individuals who suddenly gain superpowers and must join forces to protect the world from emerging villains.
