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

The Straits Times

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October 30, 2025

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.

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.

The Straits Times'den DAHA FAZLA HİKAYE

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

Students lead effort to save birds from crashing into iconic NTU building

Birds would fly straight into the glass facade thinking the windows are part of landscape

time to read

4 mins

November 03, 2025

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

'What we promise, we deliver': Sunway founder on building a legacy of trust

Tycoon seeks to make conglomerate a major gateway from S'pore to Malaysia

time to read

4 mins

November 03, 2025

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

Why renewables are difficult to talk about at UN climate summits

When the 2035 climate targets of countries are scrutinised at the upcoming United Nations climate change conference COP30 in Brazil, the spotlight will be on whether the nations have done enough to meet a collective goal to ramp up clean energy adoption.

time to read

4 mins

November 03, 2025

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

Benz Hui's family to donate all condolence money to charity

All the condolence money for veteran Hong Kong actor Benz Hui will be donated to the Children’s Cancer Foundation, his family said in an obituary released on Oct 31.

time to read

1 mins

November 03, 2025

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

Dear Evan Hansen still moves with its message of feeling included

The title's second outing in Singapore features a larger cast and set, and has maintained the relatability and heart of the story

time to read

2 mins

November 03, 2025

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

From Vanuatu to Yishun: The plant giving S’pore fall colours all year

As the weather cools in the Northern Hemisphere, fall foliage is sure to draw the eye. But even in tropical Singapore, the colours of autumn can be enjoyed year round - in Gardens by the Bay and along the country’s streetscapes, from Yishun to Bukit Panjang.

time to read

5 mins

November 03, 2025

The Straits Times

Nearly half of Cat A COEs go to EVs in first 9 months of 2025

EVs make up 43% of new car registrations, up from 33.8% in 2024 and 18.2% in 2023

time to read

2 mins

November 03, 2025

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

Youth who faced family tragedy among 12 inaugural President's Challenge fellows

Growing up in a troubled family, Ms Shirlene Ng was 13 when she witnessed her mother take her own life. Her mental health took a hit.

time to read

3 mins

November 03, 2025

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

An uneven muddle of themes and genres

A deeper dive into the intergenerational female trauma of Congratulations, Get Rich! would make for a — pun intended — richer story

time to read

2 mins

November 03, 2025

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

Backyard cafes in JB village give owners hope of lease extension

Locals bank on increased economic activity boosting their case, preserving area’s heritage

time to read

5 mins

November 03, 2025

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