On October 31, 2025, ASTRO’s Cha Eun Woo made history as the host of the prestigious APEC Leaders’ Banquet in Gyeongju, becoming a rare example of a private soldier participating in such a high-profile international diplomatic event. Fans worldwide celebrated this milestone, declaring him “the nation’s pride” as he showcased Korean talent and professionalism before 400 global leaders including heads of state and international CEOs.
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Cha Eun Woo’s Event Overview
| Event Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | APEC 2025 Leaders’ Welcome Banquet |
| Date | October 31, 2025 (Friday) |
| Venue | Lahan Select Hotel Grand Ballroom, Gyeongju |
| Cha Eun Woo’s Role | Master of Ceremonies |
| Attendees | 400+ guests including 21 APEC leaders, spouses, CEOs |
| Military Status | Private First Class, Ministry of National Defense |
| Enlistment Date | July 2025 |
| Special Performer | G-Dragon (APEC 2025 Ambassador) |
Historic Selection: A Soldier on the Global Stage
Cha Eun Woo was chosen by the Office of the President to host the evening’s cultural segment while serving as a Private First Class in the support unit of the Ministry of National Defense. The 28-year-old member of K-pop boy group Astro stepped out of uniform to host the evening in fluent English, demonstrating exceptional professionalism on one of the world’s most significant diplomatic stages.
“I never imagined I’d stand here as the host of such an event,” he said in Korean before smoothly switching to English to lead the proceedings. His selection highlights the extraordinary trust and respect he commands, as it’s extremely rare for an active-duty private soldier to participate in such a high-level event, let alone appear on international news broadcasts.
Fan Reactions: “That’s Nation’s Pride”
Social media exploded with pride as fans from around the world celebrated Cha Eun Woo’s achievement. Comments flooded in declaring him “nation’s pride,” with many highlighting how he represents the best of Korean talent on the global stage.
One fan emphasized: “It’s rare for a private soldier to be involved in an event of this scale, let alone appear on national news. This shows just how trusted and respected Eunwoo is.” Another added: “His power! Super proud! So deserved!”
International fans also expressed gratitude for his role in popularizing K-pop globally, with one sharing: “Sa kanya lang din ako nahilig sa kpop after watching his dramas” (I only became interested in K-pop because of him after watching his dramas).
The Banquet: Tradition Meets Modernity
The APEC 2025 banquet aimed to celebrate a blend of cultures, combining tradition, modernity, and diplomacy, featuring a dinner prepared by award-winning chef Edward Lee with a curated menu inspired by both Korean and Western cuisines using regional Gyeongju produce including vegetable bibimbap and braised short ribs.
Dignitaries such as Chinese President Xi Jinping, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren thoroughly enjoyed the show, with many including Mrs. Tinanon Niramit, the spouse of the Prime Minister of Thailand, recording the performance on their phones.
Military Service and Continued Success
Cha Eun Woo enlisted in July 2025 as part of the Ministry of National Defense’s support unit and has participated in several national events since his enlistment. His role as host created a unique link between diplomacy and pop culture, proving that even during mandatory service, exceptional talent finds ways to shine.
Remarkably, Cha Eun Woo remains active in entertainment despite military obligations. His movie “The First Ride” premiered on October 29, 2025, and his second mini-album “ELSE” is scheduled for release on November 21, 2025—demonstrating his commitment to fans while fulfilling national duty.
K-Culture Takes Center Stage
The APEC banquet represented more than entertainment—it showcased South Korea’s soft power strategy. Alongside Cha Eun Woo, G-Dragon performed as the only K-pop artist invited, while BTS’s RM had previously delivered a keynote speech at the APEC CEO Summit as the first K-pop artist to address the forum.
As clips of G-Dragon’s theatrical performance and Cha Eun Woo’s poised hosting spread across social media, fans praised the moment as a “perfect display of Hallyu pride”.
For more K-pop updates and celebrity news coverage, explore our site. Check out our ASTRO member profiles for comprehensive entertainment content.
Stay updated with APEC 2025 Korea official channels for more summit highlights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Cha Eun Woo chosen to host the APEC 2025 Leaders’ Banquet during military service?
Cha Eun Woo was selected by South Korea’s Office of the President to represent Korean pop culture at the October 31, 2025, APEC Leaders’ Banquet while serving as a Private First Class in the Ministry of National Defense’s support unit. His selection was part of the government’s strategic effort to showcase Korea’s cultural soft power on the global diplomatic stage. His fluent English, professional hosting abilities, and international recognition made him the ideal choice to bridge cultural divides before 400 distinguished guests including 21 APEC leaders, demonstrating the trust and respect he commands even as an active-duty soldier.
What other projects is Cha Eun Woo working on during military service?
Despite his July 2025 military enlistment, Cha Eun Woo continues releasing content prepared before service. His movie “The First Ride” premiered on October 29, 2025, just two days before his APEC hosting duties. Additionally, his second solo mini-album “ELSE” is scheduled for release on November 21, 2025. He serves in the Ministry of National Defense’s support unit as a Private First Class and has been recognized for diligence, being selected as a platoon leader during training, allowing him to participate in significant national events while fulfilling his military obligations.
