Singer and actor Cha Eun-woo is actively reviewing potential post-military projects, with reports confirming that he is in discussions to star in the upcoming historical romance drama Seorabeol Life.
On August 11, 2026, his management agency, Fantagio, officially told media outlets: “Seorabeol Life is indeed one of the projects currently under review for his return.”
What Is ‘Seorabeol Life’?
Directed by Jang Tae-yu—who helmed the massive hit Bon Appétit, Your Majesty (which achieved a peak viewership rating of 17.1%)—Seorabeol Life is a culinary-themed historical romance.
| Project Detail | Production Overview & Key Info |
| Title | Seorabeol Life (Working Title) |
| Genre | Culinary Historical Romance |
| Director | Jang Tae-yu (Bon Appétit, Your Majesty) |
| Shared Universe | Connected to Bon Appétit, Your Majesty |
| Potential Role | Male Lead |
| Release Significance | First project choice following Netflix’s The Wonderfools |
Industry insiders note that Seorabeol Life shares a broader narrative universe with Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, generating significant anticipation among K-drama fans worldwide.
Public Scrutiny and Ongoing Tax Appeal
While fans are eager for his return, some observers have noted remaining public sensitivity surrounding Cha Eun-woo’s recent financial disputes.
[Cha Eun-woo Tax Dispute Timeline]
├── Jan 2026: NTS issues initial tax assessment notice exceeding 20 billion KRW
├── Apr 2026: Cha Eun-woo pays approximately 13 billion KRW (~$9M USD) in full
└── Aug 2026: Files official appeal with Tax Tribunal for judicial review
In January, the National Tax Service (NTS) issued an additional income tax assessment notice exceeding 20 billion won. Cha subsequently paid approximately 13 billion won (~$9 million USD) to resolve the immediate obligation, issuing a public apology stating that he respected the NTS’s procedures.
However, earlier this month, Cha filed an official appeal with the Tax Tribunal to seek a legal determination on the assessment:
“Cha Eun-woo filed a tax appeal through the procedures prescribed by law to receive a judicial review regarding the assessment. The process is currently underway in accordance with legal regulations.”
— Fantagio Official Statement
Service Timeline and Looking Ahead
Cha Eun-woo enlisted in the Republic of Korea Army Band in July 2025 to fulfill his mandatory military duty. He is officially scheduled to be discharged on January 27, 2027.
Through the prospective Cha Eun-woo Seorabeol Life Comeback Project, the artist looks toward rebuilding his acting career upon completing his military service, balancing career ambition with full legal transparency.
