A quiet moment away from the spotlight: Agency confirms Cha Eun-woo has been baptized and officially become Catholic
Always supporting Cha Eun-woo 🤍
Summary
- His agency Fantagio quietly confirmed that Cha Eun Woo completed a Catholic baptism in the military this June.
- The Christian name he received after the baptism is “Apostle John” (사도 요한), which many fans say suits his gentle personality very well.
- After the controversy at the start of the year over an additional tax payment of about 13 billion won, many people believe his faith has become an important source of emotional support for him.
- He is currently serving in the Army military band and has been promoted to corporal, with his discharge scheduled for January 2027.
We’re used to seeing Cha Eun-woo looking flawless in the spotlight, so it comes as a surprise that he chose such a quiet way to reflect during his military service. According to Korean media reports, Cha Eun-woo, who is currently serving in the Army Band, took part in a religious ceremony on base last month and was formally baptized into the Catholic Church.
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In response to the media reports, his agency, Fantagio, later issued a low-key statement confirming, “Cha Eun-woo did receive Catholic baptism in June.” He has rarely spoken publicly about his religious beliefs, making this step during his military service especially noteworthy. Many have speculated that the military’s regimented routine and communal life gave him space to slow down, leading him to decide to be baptized.
The peace behind the baptismal name “John the Apostle”
After news of his baptism became public, Cha Eun-woo’s baptismal name, “John the Apostle” (사도 요한), was revealed as well. The discussion on Korean online forums was especially warm, with fans saying that the name, which carries connotations of gentleness and wisdom, truly suits his temperament. Some commented, “The baptismal name John suits him so well,” while others wrote, “I hope Eun-woo finds peace in the military.”
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A spiritual reset after the controversy
Earlier this year, Cha Eun-woo was caught up in a tax controversy involving a personal agency established by his mother. South Korea’s National Tax Service assessed about KRW 13 billion in additional income tax, which he paid in full in April, putting the matter to rest. He later faced complaints over an “improper” military posting, though the military quickly clarified that it was a standard assignment. After the turmoil of the past six months, faith has undoubtedly become his most important spiritual support.
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Since enlisting as an active-duty soldier in July last year, Cha Eun-woo has been promoted to corporal. This time in the military, away from the pressures of being an idol, may be the period of recharging he needs most. Free from having to face cameras at all times, he can focus on his inner self. That sense of ease only makes people more eager to see the maturity he will bring back into the public eye when he is expected to be discharged in January 2027.
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