Cha Woong-ki

Cha Woong-ki
Cha in August 2025
Born
Cha Woong-ki

(2002-04-23) April 23, 2002
Seoul, South Korea
Occupations
  • Singer
  • actor
Years active2007–present
Musical career
Genres
  • K-pop
Years active2020–present
Labels
  • F&F Entertainment
Member of
Formerly ofTO1
Korean name
Hangul
차웅기
RRCha Unggi
MRCh'a Unggi
Stage name
Hangul
차재돌
RRCha Jaedol
MRCh'a Chaedol

Cha Woong-ki (Korean: 차웅기; born April 23, 2002) is a South Korean singer and actor. He is a member of the boy group AHOF, formed through the reality competition show Universe League (2024), where he finished in second place. Prior to his idol career, Cha was a child actor, making his debut in the TV Series The King and I (2007). In 2019, he debuted as a member of the K-pop group TO1 (Formerly TOO) that was formed through the survival show To Be World Klass before his departure in June 2022. He debuted under the name Woonggi. In 2023, he participated in Boys Planet, placing 20th overall as a result of his elimination in the 11th episode.

Early life and education

Cha Woong-ki was born on April 23, 2002 in Gongneung-dong, Nowon District, Seoul, South Korea.[1] In February 2021, he completed his studies at Hanlim Multi Arts School, where he majored in the Entertainment Department.[2] In the same year, Cha enrolled in the Department of Acting Arts at Dong Seoul University.[3][4]

Career

2007–2010: Acting debut

began his career as a child actor, appearing in various productions between 2007 and 2010, under the stage name Cha Jae-dol.[4][5] He was well received for his roles as Crown Prince Munhyo in Lee San, Wind of the Palace, the young Lee Sun-woo in Cain and Abel, and Yoon Jung-won in Green Coach.[6][7] In 2013, he took part in a stage adaptation of The Sound of Music, playing Kurt Von Trapp in performances held in Daegu and Busan.[8]

2019–2022: To Be World Klass and TO1

Main article: TOO

Cha joined Mnet’s survival show To Be World Klass (also referred to as World Klass) as a contestant in 2019, using the name Woonggi.[9] He secured a debut spot as one of the top ten finalists, ranking fourth overall.[10] The group debuted under the name TOO (later rebranded as TO1) with the mini-album Reason for Being: 仁, released April 1, 2020.[11]

On June 17, 2022, WakeOne Entertainment announced that Cha Woong-ki would leave TO1, along with two other members Minsu and Jerome.[12]

2023: Boys Planet and ties with WakeOne

Cha then was represented on the Mnet competition Boys Planet, where he ranked 20th overall. On June 22, 2023, he officially parted ways with WakeOne.[13]

2024–Present: Return to acting, Universe League, and AHOF

Main articles: Universe League and AHOF

Cha Woong-ki has then made a return to acting. He was announced as part of the cast for the Boys' Love (BL) web drama titled Love for Love’s Sake. The series aired from January 24 to February 14, 2024.[14]

In October 2024, Cha was announced as one of the 42 contestants on SBS’s Universe League audition program. The show formed three teams: Team Rhythm, Team Groove, and Team Beat. He was drafted by the mentors of Team Beat, which he went on to represent throughout the competition. During the final phase of the competition in January 2025, Team Rhythm won the group battle, resulting in the elimination of Team Groove and Team Beat. Despite this, Cha ranked first among Team Beat members and placed second overall in the show. As a result, he debuted as a member of the boy group AHOF under F&F Entertainment.[15] The group officially debuted on July 1, 2025, with the release of their first album Who We Are.[16]

Public image

COVID-19 conduct and public response

In early 2021, Cha Woong-ki received attention online for expressing concern in a university group chat regarding a large gathering of incoming freshmen during a period of COVID-19 restrictions in South Korea. Identifying himself by name and academic department, he criticized the decision to hold an in-person drinking party involving over 20 students, citing health and safety concerns. His comments were met with ridicule from some participants, and he subsequently left the chat. The conversation was later circulated on student community forums, where it was revealed that Cha was a member of the boy group TOO. The incident drew widespread online support, with many internet users commending his stance as responsible and principled. His actions were highlighted in media coverage as an example of socially conscious behavior among public figures.[4][17]

Discography

For Cha's works with TO1 and AHOF, see TO1 § Discography, and AHOF § Discography.

Soundtrack appearances

Title Year Album
Love for Love’s Sake OST part.1 (with 승현) 2024 Love for Love’s Sake OST part.1

Songwriting credits

Title Year Artist Lyricist? Composer? Album References
그곳에서 다시 만나기로 해 (Rendezvous) 2025 AHOF Yes No Who We Are [18]

Filmography

See also: TO1 § Filmography

TV series

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2007 Golden Bride Credited as Cha Jae-dol [17]
2007 Daughters-in-Law Credited as Cha Jae-dol [19]
2007 The King and I Credited as Cha Jae-dol [17]
2007 Lee San, Wind of the Palace Crown Prince Munhyo Credited as Cha Jae-dol [20]
2008 Strongest Chil Woo Han Do-yeong Credited as Cha Jae-dol [21]
2008 On Air Credited as Cha Jae-dol [19]
2009 Empress Cheonchu young Gyeongjong of Goryeo Credited as Cha Jae-dol [17]
2009 The Road Home Credited as Cha Jae-dol
2009 Cain and Abel Credited as Cha Jae-dol [7]
2009 Green Coach Credited as Cha Jae-dol [7]
2010 Jejungwon young Hwang Jung Credited as Cha Jae-dol [17]
2010 Definitely Neighbors Song Jun-seo Credited as Cha Jae-dol [22]

Web series

Year Title Role Notes Reference
2024 Love for Love's Sake Ahn Kyung-hoon Supporting role [14]

TV shows

Year Title Role Notes Reference
2019 To Be World Klass Contestant Finished 4th and debuted as member of TO1 [10]
2023 Boys Planet Contestant Finished 20th (Eliminated) [13]
2023 King of Mask Singer Contestant [23]
2024 Universe League Contestant Finished 2nd and debuted as member of AHOF [1]

Music video appearances

Year Title Artist Notes Reference
2024 Our Season(우리의 계절) iaaa(이아) [24]

References

  1. ^ a b Sai, Aishwarya (2025-01-25). "Meet the AHOF members: All you need to know about final debut lineup of SBS' Universe League reality survival show". www.sportskeeda.com. Retrieved 2025-09-03.
  2. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2025-09-03.
  3. ^ 이, 미정 (2021-02-15). "술 파티 자랑하냐"…TOO 차웅기, 대학 단톡방서 소신 발언. 디지털타임스 (in Korean). Retrieved 2025-09-03.
  4. ^ a b c Hong, Balgeum (2021-02-15). [영상] “20명 술파티 자랑 아니야” 단톡방 소신발언, 알고보니 아이돌 멤버 티오오(TOO) 웅기 [[Video] "Bragging about a 20-person drinking party isn't cool" – Bold statement in group chat turns out to be idol member Woong-ki of TOO]. Top Star News (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2021-02-16. Retrieved 2025-07-12.
  5. ^ [단독]TOO 차웅기 "단톡방 일침, 가만히 있으면 안될 것 같아서"(인터뷰). 다음 - 스포티비뉴스. Retrieved 2025-09-03.
  6. ^ Digital News Team (2008-06-18). 첫 선 보인 '최강칠우', 에릭 눈물연기 돋보여 [Strongest Chil Woo premieres, Eric's tearful acting stands out] (in Korean). Hankyung. Archived from the original on 2025-07-17. Retrieved 2025-07-17 – via Naver News.
  7. ^ a b c Cha, Yeon (2009-10-25). 아역 차재돌 ‘스타골든벨’ 동심의 엉덩이춤 깜찍매력 발산 [Child actor Cha Jae-dol shows off his adorable charm with a playful butt dance on Star Golden Bell]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 5, 2016.
  8. ^ Kwon, Seong-hun (2013-12-13). 사이 좋은 도레미송 7남매 "실제 나이는 24년 차이 나요" [The close-knit "Do-Re-Mi" septuplets: "There's actually a 24-year age gap between us"]. Maeil Newspaper (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2025-07-17. Retrieved 2025-07-17.
  9. ^ Park, Yoon-joo. [포토] 예비 TOO 멤버 '동건-케니-제이유-웅기-찬' (투 비 월드 클래스 TO BE WORLD KLASS) [[Photo] Proepective TOO members: Donggeon, Kenny, J.You, Woongi, Chan (To Be World Klass]. Biz Tribune (in Korean). Retrieved 2025-09-03.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  10. ^ a b ‘투비월드클래스’ J.YOU…지수, TOO 데뷔 멤버 확정 (종합) (in Korean). The Korea Herald. Archived from the original on 2025-09-03. Retrieved 2025-09-03 – via Naver News.
  11. ^ ilmare42 (2020-02-19). "Watch: TOO Makes Impactful Debut With Mystic "Magnolia" MV". Soompi. Retrieved 2025-09-03.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  12. ^ TO1 측 “민수 제롬 웅기 탈퇴→다이고 렌타 여정 합류, 7월 컴백”[공식]. TO1 측 “민수 제롬 웅기 탈퇴→다이고 렌타 여정 합류, 7월 컴백”[공식] - 손에 잡히는 뉴스 눈에 보이는 뉴스 - 뉴스엔 (in Korean). 2022-06-17. Retrieved 2025-09-03.
  13. ^ a b "Former 'Boys Planet' contestant Cha Woong Ki parts ways with Wake One Entertainment". allkpop. Retrieved 2025-09-03.
  14. ^ a b 차주완·오민수·차웅기,OTT 드라마 '연애 지상주의 구역' 출연 [공식]. m.entertain.naver.com (in Korean). Retrieved 2025-09-03.
  15. ^ "Cha Woong-ki succeeded in advancing to the final of the 'Universal League'.SBS Global Boy Group Audi.. - MK". 매일경제. 2025-01-18. Retrieved 2025-09-03.
  16. ^ "Rookie boy band AHOF takes first step toward 'hall of fame' with debut album 'Who We Are'". koreajoongangdaily.joins.com. 2025-07-01. Retrieved 2025-09-03.
  17. ^ a b c d e Jeong, Hui-yeon (2021-02-15). [종합] 사이다돌 차웅기 “술 파티 자랑하냐” [[Summary] Refreshing idol Cha Woong-ki: "Are you bragging about a drinking party?"]. Sports Donga (in Korean). Archived from the original on July 11, 2025. Retrieved 2025-07-12.
  18. ^ 그곳에서 다시 만나기로 해 (Rendezvous) / AHOF(아홉). 벅스! (in Korean). Retrieved 2025-09-03.
  19. ^ a b Son, Jin-ah (2023-02-28). “우리집으로 가자”…‘보이즈플래닛’ 흥행 이끄는 ‘연기 경력직’ 연습생들 ["Let's go to my house"... Acting veterans among trainees lead the popularity of Boys Planet] (in Korean). MK Sports. Archived from the original on 2025-07-12. Retrieved 2025-07-12 – via Naver News.
  20. ^ Kim, Kuk-hwa (2008-05-27). '이산', 영원한 이별 앞둔 송연과 이산... 시청자도 울었다 (in Korean). OSEN. Archived from the original on 2025-07-11. Retrieved 2025-07-12 – via Naver News.
  21. ^ Digital News Team (2008-06-18). '최강칠우' 문정혁의 눈물과 액션 시청자 합격점 [Strongest Chil Woo: Viewers praise Moon Jung-hyuk's tears and action scenes] (in Korean). Hankyung. Archived from the original on 2025-07-12. Retrieved 2025-07-12 – via Naver News.
  22. ^ Yoo, Kyung-sang (2010-10-17). ‘이웃집웬수’ 김성령 임신에 전처 유호정 “재결합은 거짓말” 고백 [Definitely Neighbors Kim Sung-ryung's pregnancy; Ex-wife Yoo Ho-jung confesses: "Reunion was a lie"]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2025-07-12. Retrieved 2025-07-12.
  23. ^ Cha, E. (2023-06-25). "Watch: Former Boy Group Member Who Competed On Recent Survival Show Covers TVXQ On "The King Of Mask Singer"". Soompi. Retrieved 2025-09-03.
  24. ^ 1theK (원더케이) (2024-04-06). [MV] iaaa(이아) _ Our Season(우리의 계절). Retrieved 2025-09-03 – via YouTube.{{cite AV media}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
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