K-pop idols delight fans with surprise gifts during military hiatus

Military service, compulsory for all able-bodied men in South Korea, is often a setback for K-pop singers as they face a long absence from the music scene and fans struggle with the silence.

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Challenged to remain relevant while out of the public eye, several idols have found ways to stay active musically even while serving their country.

Actor-singer Cha Eun-woo of boy band Astro, who enlisted in July as a member of the military band, surprised fans with news that he will be releasing his second mini album Else on Nov 21.

The musician recorded all the songs for the album before enlisting, according to his entertainment company Fantagio, so that fans can still get new music during his hiatus.

The forthcoming album is the 28-year-old’s first musical project since he released his first EP Entity in February 2024.