Cha Eun-woo for the concept photo of “Saturday Preacher.” Photo: courtesy of Fantagio.
Although serving his mandatory military service at the time of writing, Cha Eun-woo, the Astro member, solo artist, and popular Korean actor, continues to make appearances, staying connected with his fans. Added to his recently released film, First Ride (Oct 29, 2025), co-starring Kang Ha-neul, Kim Young-kwang, Kang Young-seok, and Han Sun-hwa, the K-pop idol has just dropped his second mini album, Else, with an accompanying music video for the lead single “Saturday Preacher.”
Awash in retro sound, the song is a mix of funk and disco elements, gaining an extra shine thanks to Cha Eun-woo’s smooth falsetto. In a press release by the artist’s agency Fantagio shared his introduction of “Saturday Preacher,” highlighting its “unique charm” that reveals a new side of him. “Even Aroha [fandom name] will get hooked,” he said.
Speaking of that distinctness, “Saturday Preacher” is a change of pace from Cha Eun-woo’s signature slow jams such as “Love So Fine,” “Don’t Cry, My Love,” “Stay,” and “Focus on Me.” If you’ve listened to his previous album, Entity, you know what to expect: chill, R&B, and soulful ballads. But “Saturday Preacher” is different altogether—a lively disco tune that’s the first of its kind coming from Cha Eun-woo’s discography. It’s surely a big shift, but one that perfectly aligns with the album Else’s mission: to reveal a more dynamic and versatile side of the artist.
The song’s theme is about someone who looks strong on the outside but is actually having a hard time. However, the cracks, reflected by the scar on Cha Eun-woo’s face in the music video and his portrayal of two contrasting characters—an ordinary man and his darker counterpart—highlight the dichotomy.
Through the visuals, Cha Eun-woo is seemingly leading you on his journey of self-discovery, trading his perfect image for a more raw, intense version of himself. This inner struggle sets the tone for the song’s exploration of a Saturday night and the party mood it brings along. The song title compares the night to a preacher who channels that excitement and raw energy despite the struggles within. “Let’s go get stuck in the fever,” the artist sings, inviting himself into the thrill of the moment, where the music and crowd consume him, filling the void inside him, and giving him a sense of purpose.
The song’s electronic texture and the hook “Saturday preacher,” although a bit repetitive, enhance its appeal. And the best part is that it ends up being a sound that’s both familiar and fresh—it’s still got the dreamy soft tone we love about Cha Eun-woo, while still infusing it with the energy of a Saturday night out.
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