REVIEWCha Eun-woo mesmerizes fans beyond visuals in solo debut

Article adapted from The Korea Times

Feb 19, 2024

Renowned as one of Korea's most visually stunning idols, ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo never fails to impress. On Saturday, he enchanted a crowd of 3,500 at Jamsil Arena in Songpa District, southeastern Seoul, captivating the audience with his debonair presence.

Cha displayed his unparalleled charm and musical versatility at his inaugural solo concert and fan event, titled "2024 Just One 10 Minute 'Mystery Elevator.'"

In particular, the event's highlight was a medley of new tracks from his recent album "ENTITY," as the album marks Cha's solo debut in his eight-year journey with ASTRO and acting, featuring six songs with lyrics penned by himself.

Saturday's event commenced with Cha's captivating rendition of Lee Hyo-ri's 2003 smash hit, "10 Minutes." After the grand opening, he turned to address his dedicated ers, reflecting on his successful solo debut.

"It's a joy to hear your voices up close after so long," he said. "I yearned to showcase more stages after embarking on this solo endeavor. Hence, I opted for a fan concert over a mere fan meeting, pouring my heart into preparing for this event."

The concert's title, "Mystery Elevator," symbolizes an invitation from Cha for his fans to him on a whimsical journey.

"It's my tailored creation just for all of you... Riding this elevator symbolizes a journey together, headed wherever AROHA (ASTRO's fandom) wants," he explained.

Throughout the event, Cha regaled fans with solo renditions of cherished ASTRO hits, donning various costumes as he serenaded the crowd. The medley also included original soundtracks like "Love So Fine" and "First Love" from the 2020 romance series, "True Beauty," which he starred in, reflecting his growing acting repertoire.

In addition to musical performances, Cha seamlessly integrated interactive segments into the concert, from on-stage costume changes to heartfelt Q&A sessions, to deepen engagement with the audience. He went on to surprise fans with impromptu phone calls, eliciting an electric response from around the auditorium.

The concert also featured coveted giveaways from a roster of brands endorsed by Cha, with 30 fortunate fans randomly selected to receive exclusive prizes.

The idol concluded the night with an eclectic repertoire, encoming solo tracks like "Memories," "WHERE AM I," "Rainbow Falling" and "You're the Best."

Notably, during his performance of the self-penned track, "WHERE AM I," Cha stopped to heavily shed tears mid-performance. Fans, moved by his raw emotion, fervently chanted words of solace and unwavering .

Reflecting on the evening, Cha mused, "Though words may falter, I believe music remains a steadfast conduit for my sentiments."

He added, "I'm profoundly grateful to each soul who graced this concert ... Please continue to walk alongside me, lending through every endeavor."

Fellow ASTRO MJ and JinJin were also present in the audience, demonstrating the strong bonds within the group. Both currently starring in the musical "Winter Wanderer," they rushed to Cha after finishing their performance, expressing pride and iration for his preparations and thanking him for the mesmerizing performance.

Following the triumphant Seoul event, Cha is poised to embark on a world tour, bringing his musical talent to fans across Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Japan, Singapore and Indonesia.

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