Cha Eun-woo: From Heartthrob to Comedy Star in 'The Wonderfuls'

A popular meme suggests choosing Cha Eun-woo over a wealthy suitor, highlighting his captivating looks. Now, the actor is transitioning from his 'Roommate' days to a new role as a civil servant. Despite past criticism of his acting skills, Cha received praise for his poignant performance in 'Wonderful World' last year. This time, he's taking on a comedic role.

On October 7th, the variety show 'Roommate in Finland,' featuring Cha Eun-woo alongside actors Lee Je-hoon, Lee Dong-hwi, and Kwak Dong-yeon, concluded. Although the show's ratings dropped from 3.3% to 2%, Cha's soothing presence became a talking point, with viewers appreciating the show's portrayal of everyday happiness.

At 27, Cha Eun-woo has been steadily acting since his 2018 debut in 'My ID is Gangnam Beauty.' While his looks are often highlighted over his acting, this can be a double-edged sword for an actor. His striking appearance is an asset, but it can overshadow his acting abilities.

After enduring criticism, Cha Eun-woo earned acclaim for his role in 'Wonderful World.' Playing Kwon Sun-yul, a man on the brink, he captivated audiences with his melancholic aura. A scene where he devours noodles in a greasy work outfit showcased his charm and visual appeal, earning him positive feedback.

In an interview after 'Wonderful World,' Cha expressed gratitude for the support he receives, saying, "The public's encouragement motivates me to work harder," while also admitting to feeling pressure to improve.

Cha Eun-woo is currently filming his next project, 'The Wonderfuls,' set to premiere on Netflix in 2026. The series is a comedic action-adventure set in 1999, where unlikely heroes with newfound superpowers battle villains threatening the peace of Haeseong City. Cha plays Lee Woon-jung, a socially awkward civil servant from Seoul.

While Cha has experience in romantic comedies, 'The Wonderfuls' marks his first foray into pure comedy. Some skeptics question his ability to handle comedic roles due to his image.

Fans often joke that "Cha Eun-woo's face is a narrative in itself," implying his looks alone can carry any role. However, industry insiders believe it's time for Cha to address any lingering doubts about his acting skills. As he continues to build his career, all eyes are on whether he can charm audiences with his comedic talent beyond his striking appearance.