Could Cha Eun Woo be making his return to the small screen with a new leading role? The ASTRO member and actor is reportedly considering 'Seorabeol Knife' as his next drama project. 'Seorabeol Knife' is a new drama from director Jang Tae Yoo, who helmed tvN's hit series 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,' which recorded a peak nationwide rating of 17.1%. Reports that the two dramas may also share the same fictional universe have further raised interest in the upcoming project. According to an exclusive report from MyDaily and other Korean media outlets on August 11, Cha Eun Woo is preparing to return to acting with 'Seorabeol Knife.' His agency, Fantagio, confirmed the reports the same day, stating, "'Seorabeol Knife' is one of the projects Cha Eun Woo is currently considering." The statement indicates that the drama remains under discussion as one of the potential projects for Cha Eun Woo following his military discharge. 'Seorabeol Knife' is reportedly another romance drama centered around cooking. Director Jang Tae Yoo, who directed 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,' which achieved a peak rating of 17.1% last year, is expected to return to the director's chair, generating anticipation even before production officially begins. According to reports, the agency clarified that 'Seorabeol Knife' is not 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty' Season 2. While both dramas feature cooking as a major element and are directed by Jang Tae Yoo, the new project is not being developed as a direct sequel. However, reports that 'Seorabeol Knife' could share a universe with 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty' have caught the attention of fans. Whether the two dramas will ultimately be connected is expected to become clearer as production moves forward.
If Cha Eun Woo officially confirms his appearance, 'Seorabeol Knife' would mark his first acting comeback following Netflix's 'Wonderfuls,' which was released while he was serving in the military. Cha Eun Woo has taken on a variety of roles in dramas including 'True Beauty,' 'A Good Day to Be a Dog,' and 'Wonderful World,' but he has yet to headline a project centered heavily on cooking, making the potential casting particularly noteworthy.
Cha Eun Woo's potential comeback also comes amid the aftermath of a tax controversy.
In January, reports emerged that the National Tax Service had notified Cha Eun Woo of a tax assessment exceeding 20 billion KRW (approximately 14 million USD) in income and other taxes. Allegations were raised that taxes had been avoided through a corporation registered under his mother's name, with an address in Ganghwa Island, Gyeonggi Province. The Seoul Regional Tax Office's Fourth Investigation Bureau was reportedly involved in an intensive investigation. His final tax liability was subsequently reported to have been set at approximately KRW 13 billion (approximately $9 million). In April, Cha Eun Woo stated through social media that he had paid the full amount, saying he respected the National Tax Service's procedures and findings and had "paid all relevant taxes" to prevent further confusion. In his initial apology in January, he also addressed speculation surrounding his military service, stating that although he was serving in the military at the time, his enlistment was "never an intentional choice to avoid the controversy." He said he would cooperate fully with the ongoing procedures. However, Cha Eun Woo has also reportedly filed a tax appeal with the Tax Tribunal to challenge the National Tax Service's assessment. A tax appeal is a legal administrative procedure through which taxpayers can object to a tax assessment they believe to be unlawful or unfair. Such an appeal must generally be filed within 90 days of receiving the tax notice. At the time, his agency explained, "Cha Eun Woo filed a tax appeal in accordance with the procedures prescribed by law in order to receive a legal determination." The agency added, "As this matter is currently proceeding through the relevant procedures, we ask for your understanding that we cannot provide specific details." Cha Eun Woo enlisted in the Army's military band in July of last year and is currently completing his mandatory military service. He is scheduled to be discharged on January 27, 2027. With news of his potential next project emerging while he is still serving, attention is already growing around his eventual return to the entertainment industry.
Interest in 'Seorabeol Knife' stems not only from Cha Eun Woo's potential comeback but also from the success of director Jang Tae Yoo's previous drama, 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty.'
The tvN weekend drama aired from August 23 to September 28 last year. It followed a genius chef who wins a French cooking competition before unexpectedly traveling back in time to the Joseon era. There, she encounters a king known as a tyrant who possesses an exceptionally refined palate. The series combined survival fantasy, romance, and comedy, while using food as a medium through which its characters healed their emotional wounds and developed a love that transcended time. YoonA played genius chef Yeon Ji Young, while Lee Chae Min portrayed King Lee Heon, a monarch with a sophisticated palate. Kang Han Na, Choi Gwi Hwa, Seo Yi Sook, and Oh Eui Sik also joined the cast, adding layers of palace intrigue and romance to the story. The drama's ratings continued to climb as the series progressed. Its finale recorded a nationwide average rating of 17.1%, setting a new personal best for the series. The drama's success also extended beyond South Korea. It topped Netflix's global non-English TV show rankings, attracting international viewers and maintaining strong buzz even after its domestic run. That success naturally raised expectations for director Jang Tae Yoo's next project. Fans are now watching to see how he will reinterpret the successful cooking-and-romance formula of 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty' in his upcoming drama 'Seorabeol Knife.'
