{{Short description|South Korean singer and actor (born 2002)}} {{Infobox person | name = Cha Woong-ki | birth_name = Cha Woong-ki<!-- DO NOT provide the full name without a reliable source (see [[WP:DOB]]. Any further attempts to do so WILL BE CONSIDERED DISRUPTIVE EDITING --> | image = AHOF Cha Woongki at 7th Newsis Hallyu Expo Aug 2025.jpg | caption = Cha in August 2025 | image_upright = | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|2002|04|23}} | birth_place = [[Seoul]], South Korea | occupation = {{hlist|Singer|actor}} | years_active = 2007–present | signature = | website = | module = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes | genre = {{hlist|[[K-pop]]}} | years_active = 2020–present | label = {{hlist|F&F Entertainment}} | instrument = | current_member_of ={{hlist|[[AHOF]]}} | past_member_of = [[TO1]]}} | known_for = | module2 = {{Infobox Korean name/auto|child=yes|headercolor=transparent |hangul = %차웅기 |hanja = |hangulstage = %차재돌 }} }}
'''Cha Woong-ki'''<!-- DO NOT provide the full name without a reliable source (see [[WP:DOB]]. Any further attempts to do so WILL BE CONSIDERED DISRUPTIVE EDITING --> ([[Korean language|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 television|reality competition]] show ''[[Universe League]]'' (2024), where he finished in ninth place. Prior to his idol career, Cha was a child actor, making his debut in the TV Series ''[[The King and I (TV series)|The King and I]]'' (2007). In 2020, 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]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Sai |first=Aishwarya |date=2025-01-25 |title=Meet the AHOF members: All you need to know about final debut lineup of SBS' Universe League reality survival show |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/k-pop/news-meet-ahof-members-all-need-know-final-debut-lineup-sbs-universe-league-reality-survival-show |access-date=2025-09-03 |website=www.sportskeeda.com |language=en-us}}</ref> In February 2021, he completed his studies at [[Hanlim Multi Art School|Hanlim Multi Arts School]], where he majored in the Entertainment Department.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CLEK-OjLjy8/?img_index=1 |access-date=2025-09-03 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref> In the same year, Cha enrolled in the Department of Acting Arts at [[Dong Seoul University]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=이|first=미정 |date=2021-02-15 |script-title=ko:"술 파티 자랑하냐"…TOO 차웅기, 대학 단톡방서 소신 발언 |url=https://www.dt.co.kr/article/11367229 |access-date=2025-09-03 |website=디지털타임스 |language=ko}}</ref><ref name="covid19">{{cite web |url=https://www.topstarnews.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=860637 |date=2021-02-15 |last=Hong |first=Balgeum |script-title=ko:[영상] “20명 술파티 자랑 아니야” 단톡방 소신발언, 알고보니 아이돌 멤버 티오오(TOO) 웅기 |trans-title=[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 |language=ko |website=Top Star News |access-date=2025-07-12 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210216213603/http://www.topstarnews.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=860637 |archive-date=2021-02-16}}</ref>
== 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.<ref name="covid19"/><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |script-title=ko:[단독]TOO 차웅기 "단톡방 일침, 가만히 있으면 안될 것 같아서"(인터뷰) |url=https://v.daum.net/v/20210215221249851 |access-date=2025-09-03 |website=다음 - 스포티비뉴스}}</ref> 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''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/home/article/015/0001977815 |date=2008-06-18 |last=Digital News Team |script-title=ko:첫 선 보인 '최강칠우', 에릭 눈물연기 돋보여 |trans-title=''Strongest Chil Woo'' premieres, Eric's tearful acting stands out |publisher=[[The Korea Economic Daily|Hankyung]] |via=[[Naver News]] |language=ko |access-date=2025-07-17 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250717104818/https://m.entertain.naver.com/home/article/015/0001977815 |archive-date=2025-07-17}}</ref><ref name="golden_bell">{{cite web |url=http://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=200910241823561001 |date=2009-10-25 |last=Cha |first=Yeon |script-title=ko:아역 차재돌 ‘스타골든벨’ 동심의 엉덩이춤 깜찍매력 발산 |trans-title=Child actor Cha Jae-dol shows off his adorable charm with a playful butt dance on ''Star Golden Bell'' |language=ko |website=Newsen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305014704/http://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=200910241823561001 |archive-date=March 5, 2016}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.imaeil.com/page/view/2013121307081858729 |date=2013-12-13 |last=Kwon |first=Seong-hun |script-title=ko:사이 좋은 도레미송 7남매 "실제 나이는 24년 차이 나요" |trans-title=The close-knit "Do-Re-Mi" septuplets: "There's actually a 24-year age gap between us" |language=ko |website=Maeil Newspaper |access-date=2025-07-17 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250717103455/https://www.imaeil.com/page/view/2013121307081858729 |archive-date=2025-07-17}}</ref>
=== 2019–2022: ''To Be World Klass'' and TO1 === {{Main|TO1|l1=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.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.biztribune.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=224691 |last=Park |first=Yoon-joo |script-title=ko:[포토] 예비 TOO 멤버 '동건-케니-제이유-웅기-찬' (투 비 월드 클래스 TO BE WORLD KLASS) |trans-title=[Photo] Proepective TOO members: Donggeon, Kenny, J.You, Woongi, Chan (To Be World Klass |language=ko |website=Biz Tribune |access-date=2025-09-03 |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref> He secured a debut spot as one of the top ten finalists, ranking fourth overall.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |script-title=ko:‘투비월드클래스’ J.YOU…지수, TOO 데뷔 멤버 확정 (종합) |url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/home/article/112/0003243999 |access-date=2025-09-03 |publisher=[[The Korea Herald]] |via=[[Naver News]] |language=ko |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250903103400/https://m.entertain.naver.com/home/article/112/0003243999 |archive-date=2025-09-03}}</ref> The group debuted under the name [[TO1|TOO]] (later rebranded as TO1) with the mini-album ''Reason for Being: 仁'', released April 1, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=ilmare42 |date=2020-02-19 |title=Watch: TOO Makes Impactful Debut With Mystic "Magnolia" MV |url=https://www.soompi.com/article/1383928wpp/new-boy-group-too-from-survival-show-world-klass-announces-debut-details |access-date=2025-09-03 |website=Soompi |language=en-US}}</ref>
On June 17, 2022, [[WakeOne|WakeOne Entertainment]] announced that Cha Woong-ki would leave [[TO1]], along with two other members Minsu and Jerome.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-17 |script-title=ko:TO1 측 “민수 제롬 웅기 탈퇴→다이고 렌타 여정 합류, 7월 컴백”[공식] |url=https://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=202206171527410410 |access-date=2025-09-03 |website=TO1 측 “민수 제롬 웅기 탈퇴→다이고 렌타 여정 합류, 7월 컴백”[공식] - 손에 잡히는 뉴스 눈에 보이는 뉴스 - 뉴스엔 |language=ko}}</ref>
=== 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]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Former 'Boys Planet' contestant Cha Woong Ki parts ways with Wake One Entertainment |url=https://www.allkpop.com/article/2023/06/former-boys-planet-contestant-cha-woong-ki-parts-ways-with-wake-one-entertainment |access-date=2025-09-03 |website=allkpop |language=en}}</ref>
=== 2024–Present: Return to acting, ''Universe League'', and AHOF === {{Main|Universe League|l1 = ''Universe League''|AHOF}}
Cha Woong-ki has then made a return to acting. He was announced as part of the cast for the [[Boys' love|Boys' Love]] (BL) web drama titled ''[[Love for Loves Sake|Love for Love’s Sake]]''. The series aired from January 24 to February 14, 2024.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |script-title=ko:차주완·오민수·차웅기,OTT 드라마 '연애 지상주의 구역' 출연 [공식] |url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/now/article/108/0003177966 |access-date=2025-09-03 |website=m.entertain.naver.com |language=ko}}</ref>
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 ninth overall as a wildcard member in the show. As a result, he debuted as a member of the boy group [[AHOF]] under F&F Entertainment.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-18 |title=Cha Woong-ki succeeded in advancing to the final of the 'Universal League'.SBS Global Boy Group Audi.. - MK |url=https://www.mk.co.kr/en/entertain/11221214 |access-date=2025-09-03 |website=매일경제 |language=en}}</ref> The group officially debuted on July 1, 2025, with the release of their first album [[Who We Are (AHOF EP)|Who We Are]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-01 |title=Rookie boy band AHOF takes first step toward 'hall of fame' with debut album 'Who We Are' |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-07-01/entertainment/kpop/Rookie-boy-band-AHOF-takes-first-step-toward-hall-of-fame-with-debut-album-Who-We-Are/2343058 |access-date=2025-09-03 |website=koreajoongangdaily.joins.com |language=en}}</ref>
== Public image == === COVID-19 conduct and public response === In early 2021, Cha received attention online for expressing concern in a university group chat regarding a large gathering of incoming freshmen during a period of [[COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea|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 [[TO1|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.<ref name="covid19"/><ref name="dramalist1">{{cite web |url=https://sports.donga.com/article/all/20210215/105430991/1 |script-title=ko:[종합] 사이다돌 차웅기 “술 파티 자랑하냐” |trans-title=[Summary] Refreshing idol Cha Woong-ki: "Are you bragging about a drinking party?" |last=Jeong |first=Hui-yeon |date=2021-02-15 |language=ko |website=[[Sports Donga]] |access-date=2025-07-12 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250711231628/https://sports.donga.com/article/all/20210215/105430991/1 |archive-date=July 11, 2025}}</ref>
== Discography == {{For|Cha's works with [[TO1]] and [[AHOF]]|TO1#Discography|AHOF#Discography}}
=== Soundtrack appearances === {| class="wikitable" !Title !Year !Album |- |"Love for Love's Sake" {{small|(with 승현)}} |2024 |''Love for Love's Sake'' OST Part 1 |}
=== Songwriting credits === {| class="wikitable" !Title !Year !Artist !Lyricist? !Composer? !Album !{{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |- |"Rendezvous" (그곳에서 다시 만나기로 해) |2025 |[[AHOF]] |{{yes}} |{{no}} |''[[Who We Are (AHOF EP)|Who We Are]]'' |style="text-align:center" | <ref>{{Cite web |script-title=ko:그곳에서 다시 만나기로 해 (Rendezvous) / AHOF(아홉) |url=https://music.bugs.co.kr/track/6320177 |access-date=2025-09-03 |website=벅스! |language=ko}}</ref> |}
== Filmography == {{See also|TO1#Filmography}}
=== TV series === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Role ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |- ! scope="row" | 2007 | ''[[Golden Bride]]'' | | Credited as Cha Jae-dol | style="text-align:center" | <ref name="dramalist1"/> |- ! scope="row" | 2007 | ''[[Daughters-in-Law]]'' | | Credited as Cha Jae-dol | style="text-align:center" | <ref name="dramalist2">{{cite web |url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/home/article/410/0000924609 |date=2023-02-28 |last=Son |first=Jin-ah |script-title=ko:“우리집으로 가자”…‘보이즈플래닛’ 흥행 이끄는 ‘연기 경력직’ 연습생들 |trans-title="Let's go to my house"... Acting veterans among trainees lead the popularity of ''Boys Planet'' |language=ko |publisher=MK Sports |via=[[Naver News]] |access-date=2025-07-12 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250712113645/https://m.entertain.naver.com/home/article/410/0000924609 |archive-date=2025-07-12}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | 2007 | ''[[The King and I (TV series)|The King and I]]'' | | Credited as Cha Jae-dol | style="text-align:center" | <ref name="dramalist1"/> |- ! scope="row" | 2007 | ''[[Lee San, Wind of the Palace]]'' | [[Crown Prince Munhyo]] | Credited as Cha Jae-dol | style="text-align:center" | <ref>{{cite web |url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/home/article/109/0001958562 |script-title=ko:'이산', 영원한 이별 앞둔 송연과 이산... 시청자도 울었다 |trans-title= |date=2008-05-27 |last=Kim |first=Kuk-hwa |language=ko |access-date=2025-07-12 |publisher=OSEN |via=[[Naver News]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250711233605/https://m.entertain.naver.com/home/article/109/0001958562 |archive-date=2025-07-11}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | 2008 | ''[[Strongest Chil Woo]]'' | Han Do-yeong | Credited as Cha Jae-dol | style="text-align:center" | <ref name="chilwoo">{{cite web |url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/home/article/015/0001977791 |date=2008-06-18 |last=Digital News Team |script-title=ko:'최강칠우' 문정혁의 눈물과 액션 시청자 합격점 |trans-title=''Strongest Chil Woo'': Viewers praise Moon Jung-hyuk's tears and action scenes |language=ko |publisher=[[The Korea Economic Daily|Hankyung]] |via=[[Naver News]] |access-date=2025-07-12 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250712112047/https://m.entertain.naver.com/home/article/015/0001977791 |archive-date=2025-07-12}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | 2008 | ''[[On Air (TV series)|On Air]]'' | | Credited as Cha Jae-dol | style="text-align:center" | <ref name="dramalist2"/> |- ! scope="row" | 2009 | ''[[Empress Cheonchu]]'' | young [[Gyeongjong of Goryeo]] | Credited as Cha Jae-dol | style="text-align:center" | <ref name="dramalist1"/> |- ! scope="row" | 2009 | ''[[The Road Home (South Korean TV series)|The Road Home]] '' | | Credited as Cha Jae-dol | style="text-align:center" | |- ! scope="row" | 2009 | ''[[Cain and Abel (South Korean TV series)|Cain and Abel]]'' | | Credited as Cha Jae-dol | style="text-align:center" | <ref name="golden_bell"/> |- ! scope="row" | 2009 | ''Green Coach'' | | Credited as Cha Jae-dol | style="text-align:center" | <ref name="golden_bell"/> |- ! scope="row" | 2010 | ''[[Jejungwon (TV series)|Jejungwon]] '' | young Hwang Jung | Credited as Cha Jae-dol | style="text-align:center" | <ref name="dramalist1"/> |- ! scope="row" | 2010 | ''[[Definitely Neighbors]]'' | Song Jun-seo | Credited as Cha Jae-dol | style="text-align:center" | <ref name="neighbors">{{cite web |url=https://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201010170626101001 |date=2010-10-17 |last=Yoo |first=Kyung-sang |script-title=ko:‘이웃집웬수’ 김성령 임신에 전처 유호정 “재결합은 거짓말” 고백 |trans-title=''Definitely Neighbors'' Kim Sung-ryung's pregnancy; Ex-wife Yoo Ho-jung confesses: "Reunion was a lie" |language=ko |website=Newsen |access-date=2025-07-12 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250712111030/https://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201010170626101001 |archive-date=2025-07-12}}</ref> |}
=== Web series === {| class="wikitable" !Year !Title !Role !Notes !Reference |- |2024 |''Love for Love's Sake'' |Ahn Kyung-hoon |Supporting role |<ref name=":4" /> |}
=== TV shows === {| class="wikitable" !Year !Title !Role !Notes !Reference |- |2019 |To Be World Klass |Contestant |Finished 4th and debuted as member of TO1 |<ref name=":2" /> |- |2023 |[[Boys Planet]] |Contestant |Finished 20th (Eliminated) |<ref name=":3" /> |- |2023 |[[King of Mask Singer]] |Contestant | |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cha |first=E. |date=2023-06-25 |title=Watch: Former Boy Group Member Who Competed On Recent Survival Show Covers TVXQ On "The King Of Mask Singer" |url=https://www.soompi.com/article/1596342wpp/watch-former-boy-group-member-who-competed-on-recent-survival-show-covers-tvxq-on-the-king-of-mask-singer |access-date=2025-09-03 |website=Soompi |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |2024 |[[Universe League]] |Contestant |Finished 9th and debuted as member of AHOF |<ref name=":0" /> |}
=== Music video appearances === {| class="wikitable" !Year !Title !Artist !Notes !Reference |- |2024 |Our Season(우리의 계절) |iaaa(이아) | |<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yI6PDiZsPq0 |script-title=ko:[MV] iaaa(이아) _ Our Season(우리의 계절) |date=2024-04-06 |last=1theK (원더케이) |access-date=2025-09-03 |via=YouTube}}</ref> |}
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == * {{IMDb name|15336671}} * [https://www.hancinema.net/korean_Cha_Woong-ki-filmography.html Cha Woong-ki] at [[HanCinema]]
[[Category:Living people]] [[Category:2002 births]] [[Category:Singers from Seoul]] [[Category:K-pop singers]] [[Category:Hanlim Multi Art School alumni]]