ASTRO's Cha Eun Woo Undergoes Baptism at Military Barracks

South Korean actor and ASTRO member Cha Eun Woo is now officially a Catholic. He was baptized at the military barracks where he serves as a South Korean man. This baptism was confirmed by Fantagio management. 

In a statement released Wednesday (July 1, 2026), Fantagio explained that Cha Eun Woo received the sacrament of baptism last June. New1 wrote, as reported on Thursday (July 2, 2026), that the process took place during a religious ceremony at his military barracks.

Soldiers serving in South Korea's mandatory military service are permitted to participate in religious activities. This is a voluntary activity that anyone can participate in, regardless of their previous religious affiliation.

At one such moment, Cha Eun Woo and several other members underwent a crucial stage in their spiritual journey. The baptism process went smoothly, and Cha Eun Woo now has the baptismal name John the Apostle.

"Cha Eun Woo received the baptismal name John at a baptism ceremony held last June," Fantagio stated in a statement, as quoted by the Korea Times. Cha Eun Woo enlisted in the military in July 2025. 

He currently serves in the Ministry of National Defense's military band, the Fanfare Detachment. He is scheduled to be discharged on January 27, 2027. This is the first time Cha Eun Woo and Fantagio's management have been open about their religion. 

Previously, they had always avoided any affiliation with any particular religion, even though Cha Eun Woo had been caught wearing Buddhist paraphernalia several times. This baptism news is a breath of fresh air for Cha Eun Woo's coverage following the tax issues. 

Last April 2026, he reiterated that he would pay all his tax debts. "I sincerely apologize for disappointing my fans and the public with my recent tax issues," Cha Eun Woo wrote on Instagram at the time.

"I respect the procedures and findings of the National Tax Service. To prevent further confusion, I have paid all relevant taxes in full and will continue to diligently comply with the remaining procedures," the ASTRO member emphasized.