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On October 31, 2025, it was officially announced that South Korean singer-actor Cha Eun-woo would serve as the host of the 2025 APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Leaders' Banquet, which will take place in Gyeongju.
The Office of the President will organize the event. More than 400 prominent guests will be specially welcomed, including the leaders and spouses of APEC's 21 member countries, representatives of international organizations, and top CEOs of major global companies.
Currently serving as a Private First Class in the support unit of the Ministry of National Defense, Cha Eun-woo was chosen to host the evening's cultural segment. As reported by Money Today, the presidential office stated that the decision to include him reflects South Korea’s growing cultural influence worldwide. It aims to promote the image of K-culture on an international scale.
"We invited him to this event because of the global interest in K-pop and K-culture and to promote it," a Blue House representative said.Hosting a diplomatic event of this scale while still actively serving in the military is rare. It demonstrated how Eun-woo was praised as both a performer and a representative of South Korea. The news quickly went viral on social media, where fans shared messages of pride and admiration. An X user, @wondercha_ew, wrote,
that’s not just fame, that’s nation’s pride 😭 really so proud of eunwoo #차은우 #CHAEUNWOO
Fans noted how impressive it was for a soldier to represent Korea in front of world leaders, adding that it showed the level of trust and honor he had earned.
Extremely proud of Private First Class 이동민, 우리 차은우!! 😭😭😭
CEW fans’ pride and joy 🥲 couldn’t be prouder 😘 he dreamed of becoming the icon of his generation, and he’s doing it flawlessly.
This is massive- Hosting for APEC, standing before presidents and global leaders! We are witnessing history —Eunwoo is officially unreachable! #CHAEUNWOO #차은우 @CHAEUNWOO_offcl
“A presidential office official explained that #CHAEUNWOO was selected “to reflect global interest in K-pop and K-culture and to promote it on the international stage.”” No words can express how I feel right now — proud isn’t enough. My heart is just full.
Others said Eun-woo was the perfect choice to showcase the best of Korean talent on such a significant stage.
Cha Eunwoo is serving as the MC for the official APEC banquet performance! It’s rare for a private soldier to be involved in an event of this scale, let alone appear on national news. This shows just how trusted and respected Eunwoo is.
His power! Super proud! 😭 So deserved! Sa kanya lang din ako nahilig sa kpop after watching his dramas…
this is such a huge responsibility. he never fails to amaze me 🥹
More about the APEC banquet and ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo
The APEC 2025 banquet, to be held at the Gyeongju Art Hall, aims to celebrate a blend of cultures, combining tradition, modernity, and diplomacy. It will feature a dinner prepared by award-winning chef Edward Lee, offering a curated menu inspired by both Korean and Western cuisines, using regional Gyeongju produce.
Guests will enjoy dishes such as vegetable bibimbap and braised short ribs, followed by a caramel-based dessert. The evening’s entertainment will include performances by K-pop star G-Dragon, choreographer Honey J, Lee Jung, and young violinist Kim Yuna. The event will be divided into three acts, symbolizing Korea’s past, present, and future.
As the official honorary ambassador for APEC 2025, G‑Dragon has been formally invited to attend and perform at the prestigious Welcome Dinner in Gyeongju on October 31st, where world leaders and senior officials from 21 member economies will gather. — He will be the only K-pop
Cha Eun-woo enlisted in July 2025 as part of the Ministry of National Defense's support unit. He is currently serving as a Private First Class in the military and has participated in several national events since his enlistment.
His role as a host created a unique link between diplomacy and pop culture. Even while serving in the army, Cha Eun-woo stays active through his ongoing projects outside of music.
His movie, The First Ride, premiered on October 29, and his second mini-album, ELSE, is set to be released on November 21.
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Edited by Shreya Das
English (US)