Cha Eun Woo now Catholic after baptism during military service

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MANILA, Philippines — Korean singer-actor Cha Eun-woo has been baptized as a member of the Catholic Church, his agency Fantagio confirmed.

Eun-woo is currently in the middle of Korea's mandatory military service for all able-bodied men, serving as a corporal in the Army Band, when reports emerged that he is now a Catholic.

Fantagio later confirmed that Eun-woo received the sacrament of baptism last month. The ceremony took part in a military base where service members are allowed to participate in faith activities.

Additional reports said that the artist took up the name John after John the Apostle or the Beloved, the youngest of the Twelve Apostles who is considered the author of several New Testament books including the Gospel of John.

Eun-woo is due to be discharged in January 2027, just a few months left since he enlisted for active duty in July last year.

Earlier this year, the Astro member was embroiled in a tax-related controversy wherein Korea's National Tax Service noted he was being represented by Fantagio and a supposed separate family company through his mother.

Both parties reportedly entered a service agreement, becoming an alleged avenue for Eun-woo to lower taxes by splitting his income among his label, the family company, and himself.

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The artist acknowledged the incident last January and vowed to participate in tax-related procedures, accept authorities' decision on the matter, and take full responsibility.

Last April, Eun-woo confirmed he fully paid the taxes he owed and is complying with ongoing procedures.

"I am taking this matter very seriously and reflecting deeply. If there were aspects I failed to carefully review, the responsibility lies entirely with me," he said in Korean. "I will not avoid accountability by saying 'I didn't know' or that it was 'someone else's decision.'"

Born Lee Dong-min, Eun-woo made his acting debut in 2014 before debuting with Astro two years later in 2016.

His popularity led to projects like "Sweet Revenge," "Top Management" and his first leading role in "Gangnam Beauty." He made his solo debut as a singer in 2024 with the release of the extended play "Entity."

Eun-woo's most recent projects were the comedy film "The First Ride" and the superhero comedy series "The Wonderfools" alongside Park Eun-bin.

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