Cha Eun-woo’s literary picks: Eight books spotted in his hands

When we envision K-Pop idols, what typically springs to mind are their electrifying vocals, mesmerizing dance moves, and impeccable style.

However, one aspect that doesn’t often come up in conversation is their association with books or reading.

IU, for instance, was spotted reading the second volume of The Brothers Karamazov in reality show Hyori’s Bed and Breakfast in 2017. The K-Pop darling has also recommended A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman and Alain De Botton’s Essays in Love.

BTS member RM is also reported to be a bookworm. In a 2017 interview, he said that George Orwell’s 1984 was a book that he liked re-reading, and recommended The Stranger by Albert Camus and Please Look After Mom by Kyung-Sook Shin.

Filipino AROHAs, meanwhile, most likely already know that ASTRO’s visual Cha Eun-woo is as bookish as he is dashing. That should be enough reason to send your kilig meter on maximum overdrive.

His love for reading is widely known. Some of his co-stars, in fact, have gifted him books, such as Sung Ji Ru, whom he worked with in the series Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung, who gave him Park Se Gyeong’s Monologues by Choi Hyung In.

The Courage to be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga

Despite the glitz and glamour that comes with life as a K-Pop idol, it has its downsides, too. One of which is being under constant public scrutiny. This is probably why Cha Eun-woo has read this book which is often described as empowering and “profoundly liberating.”

The Courage to be Disliked teaches us simple yet profound lessons required to liberate our real selves and find lasting happiness using the theories of the renowned psychologist Alfred Adler.

He proposes that for one to be happier and freer, one should live from moment to moment, focusing on one’s own goals instead. The authors explain, in highly accessible and relatable language, how we are all free to determine our own future free from the burden of experiences, doubts, and expectations.

Millions have already read and benefited from its wisdom including your favorite oppa Cha Eun-woo. Maybe it’s now your turn to be inspired by it, too.

Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

If you haven’t fallen down the Harry Potter rabbit hole yet, then this is probably a sign for you to give the magical world a try if you’re a Cha Eun-woo fan. ASTRO’s “Face of the Group” is said to have read the series, which isn’t really surprising given the books’ immense popularity.

The phenomenal series needs little introduction. It follows the titular character Harry Potter from the time he discovers he’s a wizard to his fated battle against Voldemort, the Wizarding World’s most ruthless villain.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

In the mood for some good old romance? Then this book is worth a try—especially since Cha Eun-woo has read it!

The story follows Louisa Clark, an ordinary girl living an ordinary life and who has hardly taken a step beyond her village. Enter cold, aloof Will Traynor, a paraplegic who employs Louisa as his caregiver.

The plot takes on the popular tsundere trope which depicts a character with a prickly personality who gradually sheds their harsh exterior to reveal a warm and caring person. The novel adds a dash of inspiration on top of the romance making it worth a read.

We suggest reading and imagining Cha Eun-woo as the handsome male lead to make the book even more of a page-turner.

How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie

You may not be able to ask Cha Eun-woo for advice but you could read this book— which is also one of his favorites—that brims with practical wisdom to help us get through the rigors of everyday life.

First published in 1948, Dale Carnegie’s six-million-copy bestseller has helped innumerable people overcome their worry habit through his pieces of advice.

Like Cha Eun-woo, reading the book can help you discover how to reduce financial worries, avoid burnout, and even find your real self.

Finding Flow: The Psychology of Engagement with Everyday Life by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Looks like the versatile performer is a fan of self-help books, as he has also read this one which is from the bestselling author of Flow and a pioneer of the scientific study of happiness.

The book aims to answer the following questions: What makes a good life? Is it money? An important job? Leisure time? What are we missing?

Author Mihaly Csikszentmihaly attempted to answer these questions by studying thousands of people. The answer he stumbled upon? People are happiest when they challenge themselves with tasks that demand a high degree of skill and commitment for their own sake.

Beauty and the Beast by Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve

Cha Eun-woo seems to be drawn to timeless works so it’s no surprise he has already read this classic.

We all know the story, one which has been told countless times in countless ways. At its heart, though, is a handsome prince turned fearsome beast who falls in love with a pretty bookworm girl.

And, yes, they lived happily ever after, just like you and Cha Eun-woo in your wildest dreams.

And Every Morning The Way Home Gets Longer and Longer by Fredrick Backman

It seems as if Cha Eun-woo is also a fan of heartwarming books after having been spotted reading this one from the same author of the bestseller A Man Called Ove.

This rather slim volume paints a moving portrait of an elderly man’s struggle to hold on to his most cherished memories as his loved ones go to great lengths to care for him even if soon they have to let go.

Praised for Backman’s “unrivaled understanding of human nature and deep compassion for people in difficult circumstances,” we think this book will charm you as much as it probably did Cha Eun-woo.

Golden Slumber or Remote Control by Kotaro Isaka

With this book, Cha Eun-woo shows us that his reading interests are as varied as his talents are.

Golden Slumber (aka Remote Control) follows the escape of a young man who is falsely accused of assassinating the Prime Minister and how the lives of those around him are inevitably and irrevocably intertwined.

The author, Kotaro Isaka, is known for his thriller and mystery novels. His book Maria Beetle (2010, Japanese; 2021, English) was adapted as an American feature film, Bullet Train (2022), the movie tie-in version of which is available at Fully Booked.