Overview
- The ministry confirmed the Astro singer and actor, now an Army private first class in a military band unit, hosted Friday’s welcome dinner for APEC leaders in Gyeongju.
- Cha opened the Lahan Select Hotel gala out of uniform and delivered remarks in fluent English to an audience of global leaders and delegates.
- K-pop star G-Dragon, an APEC 2025 Korea ambassador, performed a 10-minute medley for roughly 400 attendees, including heads of government and CEOs.
- Eyewitness video of Cha in military uniform at an APEC venue circulated online before the event, drawing widespread attention on social media.
- Reports say the summit’s preparation committee sought permission in early October, with approval granted under rules citing civil-military cooperation and national interest; Cha’s pre-enlistment film stayed strong at the box office and his pre-recorded EP is slated for Nov. 21.