Just one day before his military enlistment, ASTRO’s Cha Eun Woo delivered an emotional farewell gift to fans worldwide. On July 27, 2025, the K-pop idol teamed up with actress-singer Arden Cho for a stunning duet cover of “Free” from their movie “KPop Demon Hunters,” leaving fans mesmerized and heartbroken in equal measure.
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Cha Eun Woo Special Cover That Captures Hearts
The YouTube collaboration dropped with perfect timing, serving as both a celebration of their five-year friendship and a poignant goodbye before Cha Eun Woo’s mandatory military service. Styled as their movie characters Jinu and Rumi, both artists recreated the fictional personas with remarkable precision, blurring the lines between reality and their on-screen roles.
In the caption, Cho addressed Eun-woo’s upcoming military enlistment. She wrote, “Before my 동생 [dongsaeng – younger brother] heads off to serve, we wanted to share a little gift with you all.” The heartfelt message continued with Korean phrases of encouragement, showcasing their genuine sibling-like bond.
The Power of Five Years: A Friendship That Shines
| Collaboration Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | July 27, 2025 |
| Song | “Free” (KPop Demon Hunters OST) |
| Characters Portrayed | Jinu (Cha Eun Woo) & Rumi (Arden Cho) |
| Friendship Duration | 5 years |
| Military Enlistment | July 28, 2025 |
| Expected Return | January 2027 |
What makes this cover particularly special is the authentic chemistry between the two artists. Before the official video dropped, Arden Cho also posted a behind-the-scenes clip showing the two casually chatting. Fans got to see their easy chemistry and long-standing bond.
Their natural interaction reveals a friendship that extends far beyond professional collaboration, with Cha Eun Woo affectionately calling Arden his “sister.”
Why Fans Are Calling Them a “Powerful Duo”
The vocal performance has left the K-pop community stunned. Fans were especially impressed by several key elements:
Vocal Harmony: The way their voices blend together creates a beautiful, emotional resonance that elevates the original track.
Visual Storytelling: Their styling as Jinu and Rumi helps fans connect the dots between the film characters and the real-life friendship.
Emotional Timing: Released just hours before his enlistment, the cover carries additional weight and meaning for fans who will miss him for 18 months.
Perfect Character Embodiment: Viewers quickly noted the resemblance between Eun-woo and Jinu, with many saying his look and presence captured the movie character perfectly.
The Countdown to Military Service
Cha Eun Woo’s military enlistment has been an emotional journey for both the artist and his fans. As a member of ASTRO, his departure marks a significant pause in the group’s activities. His agency, Fantagio, confirmed that he will serve for 18 months, with a discharge planned for January 2027.
Leading up to his enlistment, the idol has been actively connecting with fans through various platforms, ensuring they feel his gratitude and love before his temporary departure.
Heartfelt Farewell Messages
The days leading up to his enlistment were filled with touching moments:
Fan App Connection: Using the fromm app, he shared intimate thoughts with AROHA (ASTRO’s fandom), saying “I miss Aroha. You’ll probably miss me a lot too, right? It hasn’t fully hit me yet.”
Instagram Farewell: His “These Days” photo series showed glimpses of his farewell party, complete with a paper crown and “We Will Miss You” balloons, capturing the bittersweet nature of his departure.
Buzz Cut Reveal: Photos of him getting his military haircut, surrounded by his team wearing shirts with his childhood photo in a toy soldier cap, added both humor and poignancy to the farewell.
The Impact of “KPop Demon Hunters”
This collaboration also serves as promotion for their upcoming film “KPop Demon Hunters,” where their characters’ relationship mirrors their real-life friendship. The movie represents a unique blend of K-pop culture and supernatural storytelling, with both actors bringing authentic energy to their roles.
What This Means for Fans
For AROHA and K-pop fans globally, this cover represents more than just a musical collaboration—it’s a bridge that will help them stay connected to Cha Eun Woo during his military service. The emotional depth of the performance ensures it will be replayed countless times over the next 18 months.
For more K-pop news and updates, visit our entertainment section and stay tuned to our celebrity coverage for the latest on your favorite artists.
This “Free” cover proves that sometimes the most meaningful gifts come from the heart, especially when they’re shared between true friends at pivotal life moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does Cha Eun Woo officially begin his military service?
A: Cha Eun Woo officially enlisted in South Korea’s military on July 28, 2025, just one day after releasing the “Free” cover with Arden Cho. He will serve for 18 months and is expected to be discharged in January 2027.
Q: What is the relationship between Cha Eun Woo and Arden Cho?
A: Cha Eun Woo and Arden Cho have been close friends for five years, with him calling her his “sister.” They co-starred in the movie “KPop Demon Hunters” as characters Jinu and Rumi, and their real-life friendship shines through in their collaborations and public interactions.
