MANILA – Korean singer-actor Cha Eun-woo has been baptized as a member of the Catholic Church, his agency Fantagio confirmed.

The Astro member, who is currently serving his mandatory military service in South Korea as a corporal in the Army Band, received the sacrament of baptism last month at a military base where service members are allowed to take part in religious activities.

According to reports, Cha took the baptismal name John, after John the Apostle, also known as the Beloved, who is traditionally regarded as the author of several New Testament books, including the Gospel of John.

Cha is expected to complete his military service in January 2027 after enlisting for active duty in July last year.

Earlier this year, the singer-actor figured in a tax-related controversy after South Korea’s National Tax Service noted that he was represented by both Fantagio and a separate family company reportedly managed through his mother.

The arrangement allegedly allowed his income to be divided among his agency, the family company and himself, resulting in lower tax obligations.

In January, Cha acknowledged the issue and said he would cooperate with tax authorities, accept their decision and take responsibility for the matter.

In April, he confirmed that he had fully paid the taxes assessed against him and was complying with the remaining procedures.

“I am taking this matter very seriously and reflecting deeply. If there were aspects I failed to carefully review, the responsibility lies entirely with me,” he said in Korean. “I will not avoid accountability by saying ‘I didn’t know’ or that it was ‘someone else’s decision.’”

Born Lee Dong-min, Cha began his acting career in 2014 before debuting as a member of Astro in 2016.

He later starred in projects including Sweet Revenge, Top Management and Gangnam Beauty, where he landed his first lead role. He made his solo debut in 2024 with the extended play Entity.

His most recent projects include the comedy film The First Ride and the superhero comedy series The Wonderfools, co-starring Park Eun-bin.