Cha Eun Woo and Arden Cho Deliver Emotional 'Free' Cover Ahead of His Military Enlistment

Cha Eun-woo, member of K-pop group ASTRO, and actress-singer Arden Cho have left fans in awe with their heartfelt duet cover of ‘Free’, a song from KPop Demon Hunters. Released on July 27, 2025, via Cho’s YouTube channel, the performance instantly went viral for its flawless vocals, stunning visuals, and perfect recreation of film characters Jinu and Rumi.

A Heartfelt Farewell Before Enlistment

In the video description, Arden Cho wrote a touching message dedicated to Eun-woo’s upcoming military enlistment on July 28, 2025. She shared, “Before my 동생 [dongsaeng - younger brother] heads off to serve, we wanted to give you all a special gift. Enjoy, Free! A cover from the heart. 우리 동생이 화이팅! [Uri dongsaeng-i hwaiting!] Can’t wait for your safe and strong return.”

The chemistry between Eun-woo and Cho, who share a five-year friendship, is evident throughout the cover. Behind-the-scenes clips released before the video showcased their candid moments, adding a personal touch that resonated deeply with fans.

Fans Praise the 'Powerful Duo'

Viewers were quick to praise Cha Eun-woo for his mesmerizing vocals and rap, perfectly complementing Arden Cho’s soulful voice. Social media was flooded with comments calling them a “powerful duo” and applauding Eun-woo’s uncanny resemblance to his on-screen character Jinu.

Eun-woo’s Military Service and Farewell

Cha Eun-woo will begin his 18-month mandatory military service on July 28, 2025, with discharge expected in January 2027. Ahead of his enlistment, he connected with fans on the Fromm app, writing, “I miss Aroha (ASTRO’s fandom) already. It hasn’t hit me fully yet, but with my album, movie, and drama releasing, don’t forget me.”

On July 21, he posted a series of farewell photos on Instagram titled ‘These Days’, featuring a buzz-cut look, farewell cake, and heartwarming moments with his team wearing T-shirts printed with his childhood photo.