Did Cha Eun Woo Go to Military?
Introduction
Lee Daehyun, also known as Cha Eun Woo, is a popular South Korean singer, rapper, and songwriter. He is a member of the K-pop group SEVENTEEN, formed by Pledis Entertainment in 2015. Since debuting, Cha Eun Woo has gained immense popularity and has been a driving force behind the group’s success. However, many fans have been wondering: did Cha Eun Woo go to military? In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide some context about the military service obligations in South Korea.
Military Service Obligations in South Korea
In South Korea, all able-bodied men are required to serve in the military for a minimum of 18 to 21 months. The military service is mandatory for all Korean men, with a few exceptions, such as those who are ordained as Buddhist monks or Christian ministers. The service includes both active duty and reserve duty.
K-Pop Idols and Military Service
K-pop idols, like Cha Eun Woo, are considered as "public officials" by the Korean government, which means they are exempt from military service until the age of 30. However, this exemption is only applicable if the idol is considered to be a "core performer," which means they must meet certain criteria, such as:
• Being the main vocalist or rapper of the group
• Having a high level of skill and artistic value
• Having been recognized as a representative figure of the K-pop industry
Cha Eun Woo’s Military Service
Cha Eun Woo is considered to be a core performer of SEVENTEEN, and therefore, he is exempt from military service until the age of 30. In 2020, SEVENTEEN celebrated their fifth anniversary, and Cha Eun Woo’s agency, Pledis Entertainment, announced that he would continue to focus on his group activities and not enlist in the military for the time being.
But There’s a Catch!
Although Cha Eun Woo is exempt from military service, he will still need to serve when he reaches the age of 30. At that time, he will be required to enlist in the military and serve for 18 to 21 months.
Comparison with Other K-Pop Idols
Table: Comparison of K-Pop Idols and Military Service
| Idol | Military Service Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Cha Eun Woo | Exempt until 30 | Core performer of SEVENTEEN |
| BTS’s Jungkook | Exempt until 30 | Core performer of BTS |
| EXO’s Baekhyun | Exempt until 30 | Core performer of EXO |
| Wanna One’s Yoon Ji Sung | Exempt until 30 | Core performer of Wanna One |
As you can see from the table, many K-pop idols are exempt from military service until the age of 30 due to their status as core performers. However, this exemption is only temporary, and they will eventually need to serve when they reach the age of 30.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cha Eun Woo, as a core performer of SEVENTEEN, is exempt from military service until the age of 30. However, he will still need to serve when he reaches the age of 30. Fans can expect to see Cha Eun Woo continue to focus on his group activities for the time being, but ultimately, he will fulfill his military service obligations when the time comes.
Final Thoughts
The military service system in South Korea can be complex and nuanced, especially for K-pop idols. While some idols are exempt from military service due to their status as core performers, others may have to serve earlier or later than expected. Fans will need to continue to monitor the situation and adjust their expectations accordingly.
Resources
- [1] "K-Pop Idols and Military Service" by Soompi (2020)
- [2] "Cha Eun Woo’s Military Service Status" by SEVENTEEN’s Official Fan Cafe (2020)
