Cha Eun-woo

Lee Dong-min (Korean: 이동민; born March 30, 1997), known professionally as Cha Eun-woo (Korean: 차은우), is a South Korean singer and actor. He is a member of the South Korean boy band Astro, and debuted as a solo artist with the extended play (EP) Entity in 2024. Cha made his acting debut in the film My Brilliant Life (2014) and is best known for his lead roles in Gangnam Beauty (2018), Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung (2019), True Beauty (2020–2021), Island (2022–2023), A Good Day to Be a Dog (2023–2024), and Wonderful World (2024).
Cha was born on March 30, 1997, in Gunpo, South Korea. He has a younger brother.
Cha attended Nungnae Elementary School, Suri Middle School, and Suri High School before graduating from Hanlim Multi Art School in 2016, focusing in broadcasting and entertainment in the acting arts department. He studied at Sungkyunkwan University, majoring in performing arts in the theater department.
During a festival, a talent scout waited for him at his middle school and offered to cast him. Cha's training started during his first year of high school. He debuted as an actor in 2014 with a minor role in the film My Brilliant Life, starring Gang Dong-won and Song Hye-kyo. 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. He was the fourth trainee to be officially introduced with the Fantagio i-Teen Photo Test Cut. In August 2015, Cha was cast as the lead in the web-drama To Be Continued with Kim Sae-ron.
Cha debuted in Astro on February 23, 2016, with the EP Spring Up. In May, Cha was announced as one of the cast members of SBS reality-documentary show Law of the Jungle in New Caledonia. In August, Cha participated in the Chuseok special variety show, Replies That Make Us Flutter. In September, he participated in another Chuseok pilot program, Boomshakalaka. Cha was announced as a host of Show! Music Core alongside Kim Sae-ron, Lee Soo-min and Xiyeon from 2016 to 2018. In 2016, he also starred in the web drama My Romantic Some Recipe.
In 2017, Cha was cast in the KBS2 drama Hit the Top and starred in the web drama Sweet Revenge. Cha was announced as a host of MBC Gayo Daejejeon from 2017 to 2019. In 2018, Cha starred in the web drama Top Management. He was later cast in the JTBC romantic comedy series Gangnam Beauty, his first leading role on television. He saw a rise in popularity after the series aired and was included in GQ Korea's "Men of the Year". In 2019, Cha starred in the historical drama Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung alongside Shin Se-kyung. He played the role of a royal prince who became a romance novelist, and won the Excellence Award for an Actor and Best Couple Award with Shin at the MBC Drama Awards. In December, he was announced as a cast member of the new variety show Handsome Tigers alongside Joy, Lee Sang-yoon, Yoo Seon-ho, and Seo Jang-hoon.
In April 2020, Cha joined SBS television show Master in the House as a fixed cast member. At the 2020 SBS Entertainment Awards, he won the Rookie Award for his role on the show. In December 2020, he starred in the tvN coming-of-age romance drama True Beauty based on the webtoon of the same name, playing a high school student alongside Moon Ga-young. In June 2021, he left Master in the House. 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. In 2022, Cha recorded the remake of "Focus on Me" for the soundtrack of the Kakao Webtoon The Villainess Is a Marionette, released on February 22. 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. 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. On December 30, Fantagio released an official statement stating that Cha had decided to renew his contract with the agency.
In 2023, Cha starred in the webtoon-based fantasy romance drama A Good Day to Be a Dog. 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. 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. 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. On December 8, Fantagio announced that Cha will be having his first ever fan concert "Mystery Elevator" in 2024.
In 2024, Cha would embark on the Just One 10 Minutes "Mystery Elevator", his first solo fan concert. On January 9, Fantagio confirmed Cha would debut as soloist and was preparing for his solo album that was released by the first half of 2024. He performed all songs included in his album for the first time at the Seoul fan concert. On February 15, Cha's extended play Entity was released, containing the lead single "Stay". The music video features him and American actress India Eisley. His Just One 10 Minutes fan concert began on February 17 in South Korea, including tours to Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Japan, Singapore, as well as Indonesia. On February 19, the music video of the EP, "Where Am I" was released. On March 27, it was announced that three more concerts were added in Hongkong, Brazil and Mexico between April 26 and June 5. On April 25, due to demand, a second show was added in Mexico at Arena CDMX on June 4. On May 16, the encore fan concert tour Just One 10 Minutes "Mystery Elevator Encore". It will begin in Japan at K-Arena Yokohama on June 29 and 30. Cha is scheduled to reunite with the audience in South Korea at SK Olympic Handball Gymnasium on July 6. On August 8, Cha was announced as one of the cast members of tvN's new variety show Rented in Finland along with Lee Je-hoon, Lee Dong-hwi, and Kwak Dong-yeon. On August 27, Cha announced that he would be releasing a digital single "Hey Hello" in collaboration with Peder Elias on August 30. The song was first revealed at his encore solo fan concert last month where Elias appeared as guest. On November 1, Cha was cast in the Netflix superpower comedy series The Wonderfools alongside Park Eun-bin, in which he plays a socially awkward civic servant from Seoul. On November 26, it was announced that Cha would be featured on Lee Seung Gi's 20th debut anniversary album With, in the song "Because You're My Woman", set to be released on December 4.
In 2025, Cha leads the organization of a tribute song for his Astro bandmate Moonbin, which will be released on April 19 to mark the second anniversary of his passing. He personally contacted all those involved in the project. On April 3, Cha has been cast in director Nam Dae-jung's new film First Ride, marking his debut as a lead on the big screen.
As the rookie actor Lee Dong-min, Cha was selected as model for Korean cosmetics brand Shara Shara in 2014. In January 2017, Cha was chosen as exclusive model for the shoe brand Bluemountain Korea. In February, Cha become a muse for the American luxury clothing brand Tommy Hilfiger, and was chosen as advertising model for the French outdoor clothing brand Lafuma. In April, he was selected as promotional model for Clearteen, a dermatological line from the South Korean pharmaceutical company Handok. In May, Cha become an advertising model for the ice cream brand Baskin-Robbins. In June, Cha was chosen as promotional model for Lotte Water Park. In August, he was selected as a promotional model for POLHAM. In October, Cha was chosen as an advertising model for Nongshim pretzel.
In January 2018, Cha was selected as the model for Aritaum's Angel Kiss Tint, from the South Korean beauty and cosmetics brand Amorepacific. In July, Cha was chosen as new TV commercial model for "EyeBon", an eye care product line by Dong-A Pharmaceutical. In October, Cha was chosen as the first muse for the street fashion brand BMS (Be My Self). Additionally, Cha was chosen as the promotional model for the South Korean e-commerce platform 11street, and became the muse for Atelier Cologne, and was selected as advertising model for Kellogg's Hershey Choco Crunch cereal. In December, Cha became the advertising model for Goobne Chicken, and a brand ambassador for Italian luxury fashion house Armani's watches. In January 2019, Cha was selected as a promotional model for the American luggage brand Samsonite's Red line. In March, he was announced as the promotional model for LG Uplus' 5G, participated as The Star's voice model for the mobile service "Celeb Alarm" in collaboration with Samsung Electronics, and became the muse for American footwear and sports brand K-Swiss. In June, Cha was appointed as a new promotional model for Samsung Card. In August, Cha was selected as the new presenter for Thai brand Wuttisak's Magic collection, and as an advertising model for beauty brand Liz K. In October, he became the new face of beauty device company Unix Electronics.
In January 2020, Cha became a brand ambassador for South Korean cosmeceutical brand BRTC (Bio Remedies Therapeutic Cosmetics) in China. In February, Cha was appointed an official model for Australian/New Zealand multinational brand sportswear brand 2XU. In December, he was named the global face of Filipino beauty and health brand Frontrow. In January 2021, Cha was chosen as advertising model for Dong-A Pharmaceutical's derma cosmetics brand, Fation. In February, Cha became Penshoppe's international ambassador. In March, he was selected as the brand model for Noona Holdak Chicken. In May, Cha was chosen as a new model for clothing brand O'Neill. In July, Cha became a brand ambassador for the British luxury fashion house Burberry, was chosen as the first Konvy's presenter, as well as advertising model for Mackiss Company's Now We Are soju, and for Nunen Chazuki under the Korean premium eye health brand '2.0 Recipe'. In August, Cha was selected as advertising model for Samhwa Foods, and the new muse of Dashu Perfume. In January 2022, Cha became the muse for the hair styling brand Dashu. The next two months, he became as a new brand ambassador for Ms Glow, and Mister Potato. In April 2022, Cha was selected as a model for contemporary men's clothing brand Liberclassy. In June, Cha became a brand ambassador for Dior Beauty, announced after attending Jean-Michel Othoniel's exhibition. In August, Cha was chosen as the model for a special collection between golf wear brand Master Bunny Edition and Italian luxury sports car and SUVs brand Lamborghini. In December, Cha was officially announced as a brand ambassador for Dior.
In January 2023, Cha became a regional brand ambassador for the American multinational footwear and apparel brand Skechers, this partnership covers seven key Asia-Pacific markets for Skechers: Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. In February, Cha and actress Han So-hee were selected as CF models together for global clothing brand Giordano. Cha launches the global campaign 2023 New Liens collection Liens Evidence. In March, Cha became a brand ambassador for Est Cola. Cha became a brand ambassador for Dunkin' Philippines. 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. In June, Cha also became a brand ambassador for Skechers in Indonesia, and was selected as a brand ambassador for Subway. In August, Cha has been selected as promotional model for Chung Jungwon Home:ings. Cha has been selected as the new brand ambassador for outdoor brand The North Face. In October, Cha has been selected as the new brand ambassador for Ricola. Cha is also announced as the face of the insurance company Hanwha Life. In January 2024, Cha became a brand ambassador for Cornetto in Southeast Asia. In February, Cha has been selected as the new brand ambassador for Milo Thailand. In March, Cha has been selected as advertising model for Sprite. In August, Cha has been selected as the new brand ambassador for Nescafé in Hong Kong and Macau. Cha was also announced as the new brand ambassador for Healthcare robot company Bodyfriend. In September, Cha was selected as the new face of the global campaign for Calvin Klein's Fall 2024 menswear collections, including the Calvin Klein Studio line. He has also been announced as the advertising model for LG Uplus' AX. Cha became the global ambassador for the French luxury jewellery and watch house Chaumet, and was chosen as an ambassador for the French luxury fashion house Saint Laurent. In October, Cha became a brand ambassador for the American fashion brand Calvin Klein. He has been selected as the exclusive advertising model for Norang Tongdak chicken. In November, Digital Daesung's MiMac Study e-learning brand appoints Cha as its new promotional model. In February 2025, Cha was chosed as the new advertising model for Shinhan Financial Group's Shinhan Bank. In March, Cha became a brand ambassador for international clothing brand Marithé et François Girbaud.
In October 2016, Cha donated his handwriting to the Korean language learning app Danbi, where 100% of the profits generated by Danbi were donated on behalf to the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange's Hangul ODA (Official Development Assistance) project. In June 2018, Cha participated in the Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness and funds for Korea's first ALS nursing hospital. In April 2019, Cha donated ₩10 million to help support the victims of the Sokcho Fire, and in November, he donated ₩10 million to the "Junior Love Academic Support Fund", which provides scholarships to students at Sungkyunkwan University.
In January 2020, Cha collaborated in G-Market Global Shop's "Give Love" campaign where all proceeds were donated to Save the Children Korea's "School Me" project. In February, it was revealed that Cha had donated ₩30 million to help those affected by COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea. In 2022, Cha participated as a special audio guide for the art exhibit of Sir Michael Craig-Martin and donated some proceeds for cancer patients at the National Cancer Center. He leads the way in spreading the culture of donation among young alumni of Sungkyunkwan University by donating his advertising model earnings to the "Junior Love" scholarship fund, and he held "Archive", a photo exhibition at the end of the year, donating all profits to help the underprivileged.
In April 2023, Cha donated a hat for an auction, with the proceeds going to the "Little Miracle" project in Thailand, which supports the care of critically ill children, raising a total of ฿400,000. In May, he helped raise funds through the KonnecThai, donating ฿514,902 to the Children's Hospital Foundation in Thailand. In July, Cha donated ₩10 million for the Ice Bucket Challenge campaign. In October 2024, Cha participated in the "Love Your W" breast cancer awareness campaign and the charity event organized by W Korea. He also donated his personal items to "WeAJa Sharing Market 2024", South Korea's largest charity event, with all proceeds going to support underprivileged children and youth, as well as vulnerable groups affected by the climate crisis.
In March 2025, Cha donated ₩100 million to support recovery efforts from South Korea’s largest wildfire. His donation will go toward recovery and support for victims, including relief vehicles, emergency aid kits, shelters, and blankets, according to the Korean Red Cross.
In November 2018, Cha was included as one of GQ Korea's Men of the Year. In the K-pop Radar Year-End Chart of 2019, Cha was named as the male "Hot Instagrammer".
In April 2021, Cha placed 17th on Forbes Korea Power Celebrity and sixth in the SNS category. In October, Cha became the first male star to grace the cover of Harper's Bazaar Hong Kong.
In 2022, after Cha was selected to represent contemporary men's clothing brand Liberclassy, 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. An official from Liberclassy said, "The Cha Eunwoo effect was seen as more than 70 million won in sales generated for pre-application alone". Cha became the most followed Korean actor on Instagram with 31.4 million followers, surpassing Lee Min-ho, and is the only Korean celebrity after BTS and Blackpink members to reach the milestone of 40 million followers on Instagram as of 2024. He was recognized as the most influential man of 2022 on Lefty's Top Fashion Influencers Worldwide list, being the only man featured in the top 10.
In February 2023, Cha placed on Forbes 30 Under 30. In October 2023, survey conducted by JoyNews24, Cha was included as one of entertainment industry power people in South Korea. In December 2023, survey conducted by Gallup Korea, Cha ranked as the 11th on Gallup Korea's Television Actor of the Year.
In 2024, Cha placed 11th on Forbes Korea Power Celebrity, making him the highest-ranked actor on the list and fourth in the SNS category. He also placed third in Gallup Korea's Favorite Actor in Last Decade (2004–2024), tying with veteran actress Kim Nam-joo. He is the youngest actor in the top 10 and the number one choice of teenagers. Additionally, he ranked first in Gallup Korea's "StarNews 20th Anniversary" survey as the Most Anticipated Next-Generation Actor and second in Gallup Korea's "StarNews 20th Anniversary" survey as the Most Anticipated Idol-Actor on the Big Screen, being the youngest artist on the list. He was recognized as one of the "30 Most Inspiring People" in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Elle Thailand. South Korean poet Jang Jae-seon, a senior journalist the Munhwa Ilbo, selected him as one of the 37 icons of popular culture who provide comfort and inspiration, featuring him in the poetry collection "The Comfort of the Stars". Additionally, Brazilian writer Rose Costa, a professor of literature and Portuguese language, published the book "Thank You, Cha Eun-woo" inspired by him, highlighting his dedication, professionalism, maturity and talent. In Gallup Korea's Television Actor of the Year survey, he ranked 8th, marking his first appearance in the top 10 as the youngest actor and the only one in his 20s. Cha also ranked 18th on Gallup Korea's Film Actor of the Year, making his debut in this category. Recognized as the most influential man in the fashion industry worldwide in 2024, he was also the male model with the most advertising appearances on television in 2024, starring in commercials for 13 different brands in South Korea.
In 2025, the wax museum Madame Tussauds recognized Cha in its Hot 100 list.
All song credits are adapted from the Korea Music Copyright Association's database unless stated otherwise.