AROHAs, he’s here! ASTRO Cha Eun-woo serves confidence, playfulness, and irresistible charm in his second mini-album, ELSE.
On November 21, Cha Eun-woo dropped his highly anticipated second mini album, ELSE, proving that even while serving in the military, his music continues to shine. The four-track album reveals another side of him—confident, playful, and full of charm.
While his debut album leaned into the serious and sentimental, ELSE gives AROHAs something… well, else. Cha Eun-woo explores love, temptation, and affection with fun, inviting energy, creating a clear and refreshing contrast to ENTITY and highlighting his versatility as an artist.
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Cha Eun-woo’s ELSE Tracklist
“Sweet Papaya”
The album opens with “Sweet Papaya,” a flirty, funky tropical pop track that immediately showcases a bolder, more playful side of Cha Eun-woo—and I’m here for it. The transitions from low to high notes glide effortlessly, and before long, the catchy “Sweet Papaya” is lodged in your head—like a musical vacation, full of fun and energy.
In addition, small details—whistling, whispers, breaths, and well-placed adlibs—add texture and make the track feel alive. As Eun-woo glides through the melody, it almost feels as if he’s whispering the lyrics directly into your ear. Because of this, the song leans naturally into sensual chemistry and temptation, with Eun-woo positioning himself as the “forbidden fruit”—the irresistible flavor and touch you crave “everyday all night long.”
Meanwhile, its music video bursts with charm, featuring Cha Eun-woo’s adorable dog, Dongdong-ie. Playful, colorful, and confidently seductive, it matches the song’s cheeky, sun-soaked energy and pulls you right into Eun-woo’s world. Every scene shows him relaxed, glowing, and having fun in the spotlight.
One more thing I love about “Sweet Papaya” is its cheeky metaphors—tropical fruit, forbidden flavors, melting sweetness—all crafted to tease, and Eun-woo owns them with full confidence. And honestly, we’re here for every second of it, aren’t we, AROHAs?
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“SATURDAY PREACHER”
The title track of ELSE, “SATURDAY PREACHER,” grabs you from the first beat. Eun-woo’s intro hooks you instantly, becoming your weekend escape—a “preacher” of freedom, thrill, and awakening.
The track delivers the rush of running from reality, chasing addictive, feverish feelings, and feeling fully alive. Its repeated mantra, “Saturday, Saturday, Saturday preacher,” hits like a hypnotic, slightly rebellious anthem that pulls you into the moment.
With its disco-infused retro funk, Eun-woo’s vocals feel sharp, rhythmic, and confident. Instead of sounding seductive, they come off as hypnotizing. Right away, the pre-chorus to chorus pulls you in, while his alternating polished and edgy looks amplify the track’s electrifying energy.
In the music video, Eun-woo stuns with striking visuals. Most notably, the thunder-strike scene adds dramatic flair. With its choreography, the overall performance becomes stylish, thrilling, and addictive from start to finish.
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“Selfish”
“Selfish” is a personal favorite—I could play it on repeat and never get tired. Just listening to it pulls you into a small world where it’s just the two of you, no noise, no interruptions. It’s the perfect moment to be selfish and enjoy the time together.
The track shows a heart that wants to be selfish in love—clumsy, shy, but honest. It’s not possessive. Instead, it has that cute, childlike jealousy that comes from truly liking someone.
The transitions between the verses and chorus flow effortlessly—catchy and groovy—giving the song a sense of breath and movement. At the same time, the rhythmic, gentle beat makes it cozy and fun. Meanwhile, Eun-woo’s vocals glide smoothly, with just enough confidence to draw you in. Together, these elements make listening to the track feel completely immersive and irresistible.
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“Thinkin’ Bout You”
This last track beautifully captures steady, heartfelt affection, making it a perfect way to close the album. “Thinkin’ Bout You” shifts the album’s mood with a soothing acoustic intro and gentle guitar, comforting you instantly. It feels warm and intimate—like a late-night text to someone you can’t stop thinking about.
Every time and everywhere in my heart
When I think of you quietly
I suddenly became happy
Even in the middle of a busy day
Even when we’re apart
As the song unfolds, dreamy synths and a soft, floating beat create a light-pop vibe that wraps around you. At the same time, the lyrics show Eun-woo missing someone deeply, wondering about their day, and thinking about them constantly when apart. With every verse, each thought of them brings a quiet kind of happiness. As a result, the song feels tender, sentimental, and intimate.
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All in all, I’m loving this version of Cha Eun-woo in ELSE. Compared to his previous album, ENTITY, this one brings a clear and refreshing contrast. Not only does each track carry its own vibe—its own personality—but together they also highlight his versatility in a way that feels confident and fun. With this album, Cha Eun-woo truly embodies the essence of its title, showcasing everything “else” of Cha Eun-woo.
AROHAs, Cha Eun-woo is serving this era—agree? Which track resonates with you the most?
Source: CHA EUN-WOO OFFICIAL, Fantagio YouTube Channel
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