On July 28, Cha Eunwoo (ASTRO) officially began his mandatory military service. According to an official announcement from Fantagio one month earlier, the male idol would join the ROK Army Military Band after pαѕѕing the interview round in May.
He will complete his service over 18 months and is expected to be discharged in early 2027, specifically around January 27, 2027.
Meanwhile, Eunwoo is the second member of Jungkook’s famous 97-line friend group to enlist. Jungkook was the first to do so in December 2023 and has just completed his duty at the 5th Infantry Division in Yeoncheon this June.
The “97-line” has long been known in the K-pop fan community as a close-knit friend group made up entirely of standout visuals and exceptional talents, including: Jungkook (BTS), Yugyeom and BamBam (GOT7), Mingyu - The8 - DK (SEVENTEEN), Cha Eunwoo (ASTRO), Jaehyun (NCT). Although they come from different groups and have separate busy schedules, the members have always stayed in touch, occasionally gathered, and supported each other.
Because of their admirable friendship, on July 28 — the exact day Cha Eunwoo enlisted — a photo of the 97-line posted by Jungkook six years ago suddenly went viral again on social media. It seemed to serve as a tribute to the lasting and close friendship among these idols.
Specifically, the old photo was taken during a get-together of Jungkook, Eunwoo, Mingyu, and Yugyeom, and was posted by Jungkook on BTS’s official X account with the caption: “구칠쓰 (97s)” on July 28, 2019. The image shows the idols’ bare faces in simple casual clothes, giving the feel of an ordinary gathering among young men.
The photo has garnered 1.6 million likes and hundreds of thousands of interactions, showing the public’s affection for the idol group born in 1997.
The post from six years ago has become a bridge connecting time and emotions for fans. They are not only touched by the warm friendship among the idols but also feel how fast time has pαѕѕed when looking back at the journey of these young men growing up. Now, they have begun and are gradually completing their military service — a significant milestone, especially for кσяєαn men.
On social media, the photo has been shared with many emotional reactions from fans.:
- It’s already been 6 years since the day Jungkook uploaded the 97-liners photo!! That day, it was Jungkook, Eunwoo, Mingyu, and Yugyeom. A gathering of handsome guys. And… today is the day Eunwoo enlists. Please stay safe from injuries or illness… Stay well. Take care!
- I wonder if they were able to meet before the enlistment? Were they able to spend even a little time together? They’re people precious to Jungkook. It makes me happy that he shares them with us like this.
- The photo of the 97-liners drinking together… It made me teary-eyed, thinking that Jungkook—who was always so incredibly busy—was able to spend joyful time with his close friends. It felt like just a group of ordinary young guys having fun… though, honestly, a group this handsome is anything but ordinary
- It’s just a coincidence, but I can’t believe that photo was uploaded on July 28. While his friends of the same age are just now starting their enlistments, Jungkook has already completed his service — and I’m reminded once again of how rare and admirable it is for an idol to enlist that early. I feel so grateful, and thinking about how he endured that long, difficult period of over a year and a half brings tears to my eyes all over again
- Jungkook posted this 6 years ago… and today Eunwoo enlists. My heart can’t handle this timing
- They’ve grown so much. From this carefree moment to fulfilling their duty. Proud doesn’t even begin to cover it.
- 97-liners forever. This photo нιтs harder today than it did 6 years ago
Meanwhile, on this very day, the friendship between Jungkook and Cha Eunwoo stood out most. The two rarely mention each other publicly, but they have always quietly appeared in each other’s important moments.
Before Jungkook enlisted in December 2023, Cha Eunwoo gave him a military watch along with a handwritten letter. Although the content of the letter was not revealed, based on Jungkook’s grateful expression, fans believe the idol wrote soмєтнing very touching and sincere.
In return for that gesture, as Cha Eunwoo prepared to enlist, Jungkook was seen returning to кσяєα two days ago. The fact that he flew 13 hours from Los Angeles — where he had been busy with BTS preparing for their upcoming spring album — just to send his friend off to the military shows the strong bond between the two idols.
From this, fans are even more hopeful to witness more simple yet meaningful everyday moments not only between Jungkook and Cha Eunwoo, but also among all members of the 97-line in the future.
