Cha Eun-woo Eyes K-Drama 'Seorabeol Knife' as Military Comeback Project

Actor and ASTRO member Cha Eun-woo is weighing his return to the screen. The star, currently completing his mandatory military service, is reviewing a lead offer for a new Korean drama.

On August 11, a representative from his agency Fantagio told TenAsia that Cha Eun-woo "has received an offer to appear in the drama 'Seorabeol Knife' and is currently reviewing it."

"Seorabeol Knife" is the next project from director Jang Tae-yoo, whose tvN drama "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty" drew a peak rating of 17.1 percent last year, according to Nielsen Korea's paid subscriber data. With Cha Eun-woo about five months out from discharge, industry attention is now on whether he will choose the project as his official comeback.

The offer arrives during a turbulent stretch for the actor. Earlier this year, Cha Eun-woo was caught up in tax evasion allegations tied to a reported sum in the tens of billions of won, and the National Tax Service imposed roughly 13 billion won in back taxes on him.

As the controversy grew, his side issued a statement pledging cooperation. "We will faithfully comply with the tax-related procedures that follow," the representative said, adding that they would "humbly accept the final decision made by the relevant authorities and take responsibility accordingly."

For fans, the question now is whether Cha Eun-woo will re-enter the industry through a high-profile drama from one of Korea's most-watched directors, or step back for a quieter return. His next move will shape one of the more closely watched comebacks of the coming K-drama season.