Cha Eun-woo Considered for Bon Appetit, Your Majesty Spin-Off

 

Cha Eun-woo could make his return to the entertainment industry through a new project connected to the hit Korean series Bon Appetit, Your Majesty.

The actor and ASTRO member is reportedly being considered for a planned spin-off that would expand the original drama's fictional universe while introducing a different storyline and title. Fantagio, Eun-woo's agency, confirmed that he is reviewing the project as a possible comeback vehicle following the completion of his mandatory military service, which is expected in January 2027.

The potential casting comes as Eun-woo prepares to resume his career after a period marked by both military service and a tax controversy that drew attention in South Korea.

A New Story in the Same Universe

Bon Appetit, Your Majesty follows a French cuisine chef who is transported into the past and encounters a Joseon-era king. The monarch possesses an exceptional appreciation for food but proves far less capable as a ruler, creating the central tension between culinary mastery and political power.

The original drama starred Yoona as Yeon Ji-yeong and Lee Chae-min as Lee Heon. Their performances received significant industry recognition, with Yoona collecting three trophies at the Asia Artist Awards and Lee Chae-min earning the Baeksang Arts Award for Best New Actor.

Neither actor is expected to reprise their respective roles in the proposed spin-off. Instead, the new production is understood to be designed as a separate narrative that operates within the same established world.

For Eun-woo, the project could provide a strategic re-entry into acting. Rather than continuing an existing character's story, the spin-off would allow him to establish a new role while benefiting from the audience familiarity already built around the original series.

Comeback After Military Service

Fantagio said Eun-woo is considering the production as one of his first major projects after completing his mandatory military obligations.

The timing would place the actor at an important point in his career. Since entering the entertainment industry, Eun-woo has built a profile that spans television, film and music, making his post-service return one of the more closely watched developments surrounding a major Korean celebrity.

His possible involvement in the spin-off also comes after his name became associated with a tax dispute involving the structure of his representation.

Tax Controversy Preceded His Enlistment

South Korea's National Tax Service previously raised questions concerning Eun-woo's financial arrangements, noting that he had been represented by Fantagio as well as a separate family-linked company reportedly associated with his mother.

Reports alleged that service arrangements between the entities could have resulted in income being distributed among Eun-woo, his agency and the family company, potentially affecting his tax obligations.

Eun-woo acknowledged the issue earlier this year and said he would cooperate with the relevant tax procedures, respect the authorities' determination and accept responsibility for the matter.

By April, he confirmed that he had paid the taxes assessed as owing and was continuing to cooperate with the remaining procedures.

From ASTRO to Leading Roles

Born Lee Dong-min, Eun-woo entered acting in 2014 before debuting as a member of ASTRO in 2016. His combination of music and acting quickly established him as a prominent figure in South Korea's entertainment industry.

His early screen credits included Sweet Revenge and Top Management, followed by his breakthrough as a leading man in Gangnam Beauty. He subsequently expanded his acting portfolio across television and film while maintaining his career as a performer.

Eun-woo also pursued a solo music career, releasing his first extended play, Entity, in 2024.

Before beginning military service, his screen work included the comedy film The First Ride and the superhero comedy series The Wonderfools, where he appeared alongside Park Eun-bin.

If confirmed, the Bon Appetit, Your Majesty spin-off would therefore represent more than another acting credit. It could become the first major step in defining the next phase of Eun-woo's career after military service and a period of heightened public scrutiny.