Actor Cha Eun-woo baptized as Catholic while serving in military

Actor Cha Eun-woo has been baptized as a Catholic and become an official member of the faith while serving in the military, according to reports.

Cha received the Catholic sacrament of baptism last month during his military service, News1 reported Wednesday. He attended a ceremony held inside the base as part of religious activities.

Cha had never publicly disclosed his religious affiliation prior to the baptism.

Cha enlisted as an active-duty soldier in July last year and is currently serving as a corporal in the Army Military Band. He is scheduled to be discharged in January 2027.

Earlier this year, Cha was embroiled in allegations that he had evaded taxes on as much as 20 billion won ($12.9 million). A National Tax Service probe found that a one-person agency founded by his mother had disguised itself as providing actual management services when it had not, allegedly allowing him to avoid taxes.

When the controversy broke, Cha said he was "deeply reflecting" and pledged to "faithfully comply with any subsequent tax-related procedures." He ultimately settled the matter in April by paying in full a surcharge of approximately 13 billion won, completing the tax process.