Lee Dong-min (
Korean: 이동민; born March 30, 1997), known professionally as Cha Eun-woo (차은우), is a South Korean singer and actor under the label
Fantagio. He is a member of the South Korean boy band
Astro.
Cha debuted as an actor in 2014 with a minor role in the film My Brilliant Life.[7] Due to his impact in the film, Cha as the rookie actor Lee Dong-min, was selected as model for Korean cosmetics brand Shara Shara.[8] He was the fourth trainee to be officially introduced with the Fantagio iTeen Photo Test Cut. In August 2015, Cha, along with the other members of
Astro, participated in the web-drama To Be Continued.[9]
2016–2022: Debut with Astro, solo activities and rising popularity
Astro debuted on February 23, 2016, with the EP Spring Up. In August, Cha participated in the
Chuseok special variety show, Replies That Make Us Flutter.[10] In September, he participated in another Chuseok pilot program, Boomshakalaka.[11]
In 2018, Cha starred in the web drama Top Management.[18] He was later cast in the JTBC romantic comedy series Gangnam Beauty, his first leading role on television.[19][20] He saw a rise in popularity after the series aired[21][22] and was included in GQ Korea's "Men of the Year".[23]
In June 2021, he left Master in the House.[31] In November 2021, Cha released "Don't Cry, My Love", a ballad song featuring a piano performance, for the official soundtrack of the comic Under The Oak Tree.[32]
In 2022, Cha recorded the remake of "Focus on Me" for the soundtrack of the
Kakao webtoonThe Villainess Is a Marionette, released on February 22.[33] He then played the role of a Navy officer in
Hwang In-ho's urban terror action film Decibel which was released in November 2022.[34] Later that year he starred in
TVING drama Island alongside
Kim Nam-gil,
Lee Da-hee and
Sung Joon, playing the role of an exorcist priest.[35] On December 30, Fantagio released an official statement stating that Cha had decided to renew his contract with the agency.[36]
2023–present: Solo debut and focus on solo career
In 2023, Cha starred in the webtoon-based fantasy romance drama A Good Day to Be a Dog.[37] On June 1, Cha was confirmed for Wonderful World led by veteran actress
Kim Nam-joo with premiere scheduled for the first half of 2024.[38] On October 18, Cha released the remake of "Jealousy", which was originally sung by Yoo Seung-beom, for the official soundtrack of the drama A Good Day to Be a Dog.[39] On October 27, Cha became the first artist to receive the Global Icon Award at
MTV Video Music Awards Japan 2023, a special award given to honor the achievements of global activities as an artist.[40] On December 8, according to Fantagio, Cha will be having his first ever fan concert "Mystery Elevator" in 2024.[41]
In 2024, Cha will embark on the Just One 10 Minutes "Mystery Elevator", his first solo fan concert. It begins on February 17 in South Korea, and includes visits to Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Japan, Singapore, and Indonesia.[42][43] On January 9, Fantagio confirms Cha will debut as soloist and is preparing for his solo album to be released by the first half of 2024.[44] Cha will perform all the songs included in his album for the first time at the Seoul fan concert. Cha plans to work hard in various fields including music, performances, and dramas this year.[45] On February 15, Cha extended play "Entity" was released, containing the lead single "Stay". The music video features him and American actress
India Eisley.[46] On February 19, the music video of the EP, "Where Am I" was released.[47] On March 27, it was announced that two more concerts were added in Brazil and Mexico.[48]
Other ventures
Fashion and endorsements
In February 2021, Cha became
Penshoppe's international ambassador.[49] In March, he was selected as the brand model for Noona Holdak Chicken.[50] In May, Cha was chosen as a new model for clothing brand
O'Neill.[51][52] In July, Cha became a
brand ambassador for
Burberry.[53][54] Cha was then chosen as Konvy's first presenter,[55][56] as well as a model for Mackiss Company's Now We Are soju[57] and the health functional food Perilla in the Eyes.[58] In August, Cha was selected as a model for Samhwa Foods,[59] and the new muse of Dashu Perfume.[60]
In January 2022, Cha became the muse for the hair styling brand Dashu.[61] The next two months, he became as a new brand ambassador for Ms Glow,[62][63] and Mister Potato.[64][65] In April 2022, Cha was selected as a model for contemporary men's clothing brand Liberclassy.[66] In June, Cha became a brand ambassador for
Dior Beauty, announced after attending
Jean-Michel Othoniel's exhibition.[67][68] In December, there was a post announcing Cha became a brand ambassador for
Dior.[69][70]
In January 2023, Cha became a regional brand ambassador for
Skechers, this partnership covers seven key Asia-Pacific markets for Skechers: Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.[71] In February, Cha and actress
Han So-hee were selected as CF models together for global clothing brand
Giordano.[72] Cha launches the global campaign 2023 New Liens collection Liens Evidence, featuring a bridge that connects two people who express different emotions, felt at important moments of life with
Chaumet's unique artistic sense.[73][74] In March, Cha became a brand ambassador for
Est Cola.[75] Cha became a brand ambassador for
Dunkin' Philippines.[76] In May, Cha has been appointed as honorary ambassador for the '2023–2024 Visit Korea Year', participated in the launching ceremony of the 'K-Tourism Cooperation Group' along with First Lady
Kim Keon-hee and Chairperson
Lee Boo-jin.[77] In June, Cha has been selected as a brand model for
Subway and plans to continue various activities starting with the "Eat Fresh, Feel Good" campaign video that will be sent to major Asian countries including Korea next month.[78] In August, Cha has been selected as a brand model for Chung Jungwon Home:ings.[79] Cha has been selected as the new brand ambassador for outdoor brand
The North Face.[80] In October, Cha has been selected as the new brand ambassador for
Ricola.[81] Cha is also announced as the face of the insurance company Hanwha Life.[82]
In January 2024, Cha became a brand ambassador for
Cornetto in Southeast Asia.[83][84] In February, Cha has been selected as the new brand ambassador for
Milo Thailand.[85] In March, Cha has been selected as a brand model for
Sprite.[86]
Philanthropy
In April 2019, Cha donated
₩10 million to help support the victims of the
Sokcho Fire.[87] In February 2020, It was revealed that Cha had donated ₩30 million to help those affected by
COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea.[88]
In June 2022, Cha participated as a special audio guide for the art exhibit of
Sir Michael Craig-Martin & even donated some proceeds for cancer patients at the National Cancer Center.[89] In November 2022, it was announced that Cha will hold a photo exhibition at the end of the year and will donate all profits to help the underprivileged.[90]
In November 2018, Cha was included as one of GQ Korea's Men of the Year.[23] In the K-pop Radar Year-End Chart of 2019, Cha was named as the male "Hot Instagrammer".[92]
In April 2021, Cha placed 17th on
Forbes Korea Power Celebrity and sixth in the SNS category.[93] In April 2022, after Cha was selected to represent contemporary men's clothing brand Liberclassy,[66] traffic to the company's mall increased by 806% in the first week of April from the previous week, and the brand also saw an increase in social media engagement.[94] An official from Liberclassy said, "The Cha Eunwoo effect was seen as more than 70 million won in sales generated for pre-application alone".[95]
^Choi Ji-yoon (December 30, 2019).
"[2019 MBC연기대상]신세경·차은우 최고의 커플상" [[2019 MBC Drama Awards] Shin Se-kyung and Cha Eun-woo Best Couple Award] (in Korean).
Newsis.
Archived from the original on February 1, 2023. Retrieved February 1, 2023 – via
Naver.
^Park, Yoon-jin (December 30, 2022).
"아스트로 측 "차은우·문빈·진진·윤산하 재계약, 라키 협의 중·MJ 추후 논의" [공식]" [Astro side "Cha Eun-woo, Moonbin, Jin Jin, Yoon San-ha renewal of the contract, discussing Rocky and MJ later" [Official]] (in Korean). My Daily.
Archived from the original on December 30, 2022. Retrieved December 30, 2022 – via
Naver.
^"차은우 '오늘도 사랑스럽개' 캐스팅...로맨스 신드롬 예고" [Cha Eun Woo has been selected in the new drama, "A Good Day To Be A Dog" and will start filming this October.]. Naver News (in Korean).
Archived from the original on September 4, 2022. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
^Jeong, Ji-won (October 30, 2023).
[창간19년] 군대에 가도 BTS는 BTS...2023 연예계 파워피플 1위 [[19 years since founding] Even if you go to the military, BTS will still be BTS... 2023 No. 1 in entertainment industry power people]. JoyNews24 (in Korean).
Archived from the original on December 27, 2023. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
^Lee, Seung-gil (December 14, 2023).
a남궁민, 올해를 빛낸 탤런트 1위 '20.2% 지지'...2위는 박은빈 [한국갤럽 발표] [Namgoong Min, No. 1 talent who shone this year '20.2% support'... 2nd place is Park Eun-bin [announced by Gallup Korea]]. My Daily (in Korean).
Archived from the original on December 14, 2023. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
^"Entity". Circle Chart. February 11–17, 2024.
Archived from the original on February 22, 2024. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
"Love so Fine". Billboard. February 20, 2021.
Archived from the original on April 22, 2021. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
^2022년 21주차 Download Chart [Week 21 of 2022 Download Chart]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean).
Archived from the original on January 9, 2021. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
^2021년 49주차 Download Chart [Week 49 of 2021 Download Chart]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean).
Archived from the original on January 9, 2021. Retrieved December 9, 2021.
^2022년 09주차 Download Chart [Week 9 of 2022 Download Chart]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean).
Archived from the original on January 9, 2021. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
^2022년 44주차 Download Chart [Week 44 of 2022 Download Chart]. Circle Music Chart (in Korean).
Archived from the original on November 4, 2022. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
^CHA EUN-WOO 차은우 - STAY M/V (Music video). fantagio 판타지오. February 15, 2024.
Archived from the original on February 16, 2024. Retrieved February 16, 2024 – via YouTube.
^CHA EUN-WOO 차은우 - 'WHERE AM I' M/V (Music video). fantagio 판타지오. February 19, 2024.
Archived from the original on February 19, 2024. Retrieved February 19, 2024 – via YouTube.
^Jeon Hyung-hwa (October 6, 2022).
"김래원x이종석x차은우 '데시벨' 11월16일 개봉 확정" [Kim Rae-won x Lee Jong-suk x Cha Eun-woo 'Decibel' to be released on November 16] (in Korean). MT Star News.
Archived from the original on October 7, 2022. Retrieved October 6, 2022 – via
Naver.
^Yoo Jeong-min (September 5, 2022).
"차은우, '오늘도 사랑스럽개' 캐스팅...트라우마 감춘 진서원役" [Cha Eun-woo, cast for 'Today is Lovely Dog'... Jin Seo-won, who hides the trauma] (in Korean).
iMBC.
Archived from the original on November 10, 2022. Retrieved September 5, 2022 – via
Naver.
^Lee Kyung-ho (June 1, 2023).
"김남주X차은우, '원더풀월드' 확정..캐스팅도 케미도 최강 [종합]" [Kim Nam-joo X Cha Eun-woo, 'Wonderful World' confirmed... Casting and chemistry are the best [Comprehensive]] (in Korean). Star News.
Archived from the original on June 1, 2023. Retrieved June 1, 2023 – via
Naver.
^Shim Eom-kyung (September 28, 2021).
"김남길·이다희·차은우·성준, '아일랜드' 출연 확정...2022년 방송[공식]" [Kim Nam-gil, Da-hee, Cha Eun-woo, and Seong-jun confirmed to appear in 'Island'... Broadcast in 2022 [Official]]. Spotify News (in Korean).
Archived from the original on October 5, 2021. Retrieved September 28, 2021 – via
Naver.
^Sung Jeong-eun (October 14, 2021).
"박은빈X차은우, 서울드라마어워즈 2021 MC 발탁" [Park Eun-bin X Cha Eun-woo, Seoul Drama Awards 2021 MCs]. Maeil Business (in Korean).
Archived from the original on October 27, 2021. Retrieved October 14, 2021 – via
Naver.
^Yoon Sung-cheol (November 26, 2021).
"[단독]차은우, 2년 연속 'KBS 가요대축제' MC..설현·로운과 호흡" [[Exclusive] Cha Eun-woo, MC of 'KBS Gayo Festival' for 2 consecutive years.. Breathing with Seolhyun and Rowoon] (in Korean). Star News.
Archived from the original on November 26, 2021. Retrieved November 26, 2021 – via
Naver.
^Park Eun-hae (November 26, 2021).
"차은우X설현X로운, '2021 KBS 가요대축제' MC 확정(공식)" [Cha Eun-woo X Seolhyun X Rowoon confirmed as MCs for '2021 KBS Song Festival' (official)] (in Korean). Newsen.
Archived from the original on November 26, 2021. Retrieved November 26, 2021 – via
Naver.
^Kim Ha-young (December 1, 2022).
"키X차은우X안유진 '2022 SBS 가요대전' MC 발탁" [Key X Cha Eun-woo X An Yu-jin selected as MCs for '2022 SBS Gayo Daejeon] (in Korean).
Sports Kyunghyang.
Archived from the original on December 1, 2022. Retrieved December 1, 2022 – via
Naver.
^"강다니엘·BTS·아이유·아이즈원...'2020 APAN 어워즈' 인기상 수상 [공식]" [Kang Daniel, BTS, IU, IZONE...'2020 APAN Awards' Popularity Award Winner [Official]]. Naver (in Korean). November 30, 2020.
Archived from the original on January 30, 2021. Retrieved November 30, 2020.
^Jung, Seung-min (June 26, 2023).
"'제2회 청룡시리즈어워즈' 후보 선정...더 글로리-SNL 코리아3 강세" [Nominated for the '2nd Blue Dragon Series Awards'... The Glory - SNL Korea 3 dominates]. Naver (in Korean). MHN Sports.
Archived from the original on June 26, 2023. Retrieved June 28, 2023.
^Kim Kyung-hee (August 19, 2021).
"차은우, '2021 올해의 브랜드 대상' 연기돌(남) 부문 수상!" [Cha Eun-woo won the '2021 Brand of the Year Grand Prize' in the Acting Idol (Male) category!]. iMBC (in Korean).
Naver.
Archived from the original on August 19, 2021. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
^Jeon, Aram (October 2, 2018).
[종합] '2018 KDA' 유동근, 대상 영예...'같이 살래요' 4관왕 '쾌거' [[Comprehensive] '2018 KDA' Dong Keun Lee, Grand Prize 'Let's live together' 4 crowns 'comfort']. Xports News (in Korean).
Archived from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved October 2, 2018 – via
Naver.
^"'亞 최초' 차은우, 퀸·에미넴 이어 MTV '글로벌 아이콘' 상 받는다" ['World's first' Cha Eun-woo receives MTV's 'Global Icon' award, following Queen and Eminem]. Osen (in Korean).
Naver. October 27, 2023.
Archived from the original on October 27, 2023. Retrieved October 27, 2023.
^Park, Ji-hyun; Kim, Min-soo; Shin, Yoon-ae (April 23, 2021).
2021 포브스코리아 선정 파워 셀럽 40 [2021 Power Celebrity Selected by Forbes Korea 40]. JoongAng Ilbo (in Korean).
Archived from the original on April 28, 2021. Retrieved May 21, 2021 – via Joins.