Cha Eun-Woo Thanks Fans For Seeing Father Johan As A ‘Cool Character’

Most of the Korean drama Island takes place on Jeju Island, but it’s a mythical Jeju full of supernatural phenomenon, including some very bloodthirsty demons. That’s what draws Cha Eun-woo’s character Father Johan to the island. An accomplished exorcist, Father Johan wants to vanquish the island’s demons and protect Mi-ho, a woman central to the island’s mythology.

When viewers first meet Father Johan, he’s in the middle of an exorcism and he’s wearing headphones. Music may drown out the demonic chatter and help pass time while struggling with the persistent forces of darkness, but what is the actor actually listening to while the demon calls out his name?

Is it a song by the k-pop group Astro?

Cha, who began his career as a model and actor, debuted with the six-member k-pop group in 2016. While building his acting resume in dramas and films, he continues to perform with Astro and write songs for the group. When asked what he listened to while conducting that onscreen exorcism, he laughs. Was it Astro?

“There wasn’t any music on while I was acting,” said Cha. “But I asked the director to put in an Astro song when it comes out later.”

Although he’s appeared in dramas, such as Gangnam Beauty and True Beauty, and the film Decibel, Cha doesn’t think of himself as primarily an actor.

“When I’m performing on stage I work hard as a singer and when I’m acting I do my best as an actor,” said Cha. “I’m not inclined toward being more of an actor or a musician, I focus on whatever fits the situation at hand. As for Astro news I want to share that Astro members Moon Bin and San-ha recently released their third mini-album and are promoting it, so I would like to share this news.”

To play a priest in Island Cha researched various works that show exorcisms or priest characters.

“I went to a Catholic church to meet and speak with a priest,” said Cha. “In order to portray the role of Johan, I prepared various things, such as learning Latin, Italian, and action for the first time.”

He also got some tips from his Island co-star Kim Nam-gil, who previously played an action-oriented man of the cloth in the k-drama The Fiery Priest.

“Kim Nam-gil shared tips, such as how to wear a priest robe comfortably while doing action,” said Cha. “And it was really helpful during filming.”

During their time on the island, the cast had a good time working together and grew closer. “Since we filmed together for a long time on Jeju Island, we ended up working better together,” said Cha. “I learned a lot throughout shooting and I remember having fun filming.”

While Father Johan shadows Mi-ho, played by Lee Da-hee, quite a few other drama characters comment on and giggle about his good looks. Johan even dons his collar on occasion to discourage any romantic interest. The collar has not discouraged fans online who have taken to calling him the “hot priest.” To Cha this nickname means fans appreciate his character.

“I’m very thankful to be called a ‘hot priest,’” he said.

The thing that most intrigued Cha about his character was his sense of purpose.

“Johan follows God’s will and his calling to save the world with his special strength, while also having his personal sadness,” he said. “While reading the script I was able to sympathize with his pain. I think as I became immersed into the character, I wanted to carry out my own mission as well.”

Island was produced by Studio Dragon. The second installment airs on Feb. 24 on Amazon Prime, so Cha is working hard on wrapping up the series. He’s also filming another drama tentatively titled A Good Day To Be A Dog.

He expressed his gratitude to his fans for their interest in him.

“I want to say thank you so much for enjoying Island and thank you for seeing Johan as a cool character,” said Cha. “Please show a lot of excitement and love for Part 2 of Island which will be released later.”