Jungkook Carries Life-Size Cha Eun-woo Doll to Movie Premiere as ASTRO Star Hosts APEC Summit 2025
BTS member Jungkook's playful show of friendship has gone viral after ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo gained international attention hosting the 2025 APEC Leaders' Banquet in military uniform.
Viral Premiere Moment Resurfaces
On October 27, 2025, Jungkook attended the VIP premiere of "The First Ride" at Lotte Cinema World Tower in Seoul carrying a life-sized doll of his friend Cha Eun-woo, who couldn't attend due to military service. The BTS member, dressed in all black, posed with the doll on the red carpet, making it wave, salute, and even lifting it in a bridal carry-sending the crowd into laughter.
Production staff later revealed the doll was so heavy that crew members struggled to handle it during rehearsals, but Jungkook carried it effortlessly throughout the event.
"I came because I was curious about the film," Jungkook told reporters. "When we were in our early twenties, we used to hang out a lot. He told me he filmed this movie thinking about those days. I hope he stays healthy and completes his service safely."
From Red Carpet to World Stage
Four days later, Cha Eun-woo made headlines hosting the APEC Leaders' Welcome Banquet on October 31, 2025, in Gyeongju. Serving as a Private First Class in the Ministry of National Defense's Military Band, the singer-actor hosted the high-profile diplomatic event attended by heads of state from 21 APEC member economies.
His selection to host such a prestigious international gathering while actively serving in the military is extraordinarily rare, requiring special permission from the defense ministry based on considerations of national interest.
The evening also featured a performance by G-Dragon, who greeted Cha Eun-woo with a warm handshake and hug after receiving a crisp military salute.
Box Office Boost
The combined publicity created what media outlets dubbed the "Cha Eun-woo Effect." "The First Ride" debuted at number one on October 29 with $1.56 million from 230,810 admissions. Following Cha Eun-woo's APEC appearance, viewership nearly doubled-from 48,501 on October 31 to 96,313 on November 1.
The comedy follows five lifelong friends-Tae-jung (Kang Ha-neul), Do-jin (Kim Young-kwang), Yeon-min (Cha Eun-woo), Geum-bok (Kang Young-seok), and Ok-shim (Han Sun-hwa)-on their chaotic first overseas trip together. Directed by Nam Dae-joong, the film maintained its top position for four consecutive days.
The '97 Line Bond
Both born in 1997, Jungkook and Cha Eun-woo belong to the celebrity "'97 line" friendship group. Their support for each other has been well-documented-Jungkook previously sent a coffee truck to Cha Eun-woo's drama set, while Cha Eun-woo participated in Jungkook's viral "Seven" challenge.
The premiere also drew BTS members RM and J-Hope, along with BLACKPINK's Jisoo and ASTRO's MJ.
Military Service Timeline
Cha Eun-woo enlisted on July 28, 2025, and is expected to complete his service around January 2027. Jungkook was discharged on June 11, 2025, after enlisting in December 2023 alongside fellow BTS member Jimin.
"The First Ride" continues to perform well at Korean box offices, with early November cumulative attendance reaching 282,854. Cha Eun-woo's second mini-album "ELSE" is scheduled for release on November 21, 2025.
