Childhood friends, a long-awaited trip, and chaos that follows— ‘First Ride’ is gearing up to be the comedy of the year!
Starring Kang Ha Neul, Kim Young Kwang, Cha Eunwoo, Kang Young Seok, and Han Sun Hwa, the film follows a tight-knit group whose dream vacation spirals into pure, hilarious chaos. With a cast this charming, the chemistry alone is worth the watch.
It looks like the perfect mix of heartwarming nostalgia and laugh-out-loud moments. Director Nam Dae Jung (‘The Last Ride’, ‘Love Reset’) knows exactly how to balance comedy with genuine friendship chemistry.
Ready for the ride? Here’s everything you need to know about the film before it hits theaters
The Story
The best trips often turn into the funniest stories, especially when everything goes wrong, that’s the premise of ‘First Ride’ (working title).
It is a comedic adventure about childhood friends whose meticulously planned dream vacation goes spectacularly wrong. After years of saving up, the group finally takes their long-awaited first overseas trip together in their early 30s. A series of unexpected mishaps and hilarious misadventures test their friendships in the funniest ways possible.
Think ‘The Hangover’ meets ‘Reply 1988’, with a uniquely Korean twist on the classic “friends-gone-wild” comedy. The film balances laugh-out-loud moments with heartfelt nostalgia.
Cast and Characters
The film boasts an all-star cast, each bringing their own charm to the group dynamic:
Kang Ha Neul as Tae Jeong
The self-proclaimed elite of the group—perfect in his own mind, at least. With perfect grades and sharp wit, Tae Jeong is convinced he’s destined for greatness… if only his average looks, modest background, and chronically unlucky love life didn’t keep holding him back. His Type A personality clashes hilariously with his friends’ chaos.
Kang Ha Neul recently dominated headlines for his appearance in the widely popular “Squid Game 2” and the blockbuster movie “Yadang: The Snitch”. Next, he will be seen in ENA romance drama “Tastefully Yours” (premiering May 12) and “Squid Game” season 3, set to release on June 27.
Kim Young Kwang as Do Jin
Kim Young Kwang is Do Jin, a failed basketball star whose restless energy fuels the trip’s disasters until Yeon Min (Cha Eunwoo) inspires him.
Besides this new film, Kim’s acting career is flourishing with many exciting projects lined up. He is set to star in dramas “Eun Soo Good Day”, “Mission 2: Possible”, and “Charge Me”. In addition, he is locked for appearances in three movies, including “Comeback Home” and “50 First Dates”.
Cha Eunwoo as Yeon Min
Making his first full-fledged comedy leap, Cha Eunwoo plays Yeon Min—a dreamer whose ambitions are as big as his current reality is… underwhelming. Cha plays a struggling dreamer convinced he will become a world-famous DJ.
Before enlisting in the military next year, Cha Eunwoo will appear in the new Netflix drama “The Wonderfools” with Park Eun Bin. He also recently declined a starring role in the acclaimed writers Hong Sisters’ new drama with Go Min Si. The role eventually went to Lee Do Hyun, who is set to be discharged from the military next month.
Kang Young Seok as Geum Bok
The group’s oddball philosopher, Geum Bok traded teenage rebellion for spiritual enlightenment… or so he claims. Kang Young Seok plays the group’s eccentric spiritual guide with unshakable zen. His notable acting credits include “Queen Woo”, “Newtopia”, “Welcome to Samdal-ri”, and more.
Han Sun Hwa as Ok Sim
Han Sun Hwa as Ok Sim, the only one with actual common sense, Ok Sim doesn’t just make plans—she executes them with terrifying efficiency. Han Sun Hwa is the take-charge member whose plans crumble under the group’s chaos.
Han, who recently made a cameo in the ongoing “The Divorce Insurance”, is known for her roles in “My Sweet Mobster”, “Undercover”, “Work Later, Drink Now”, and more.
Behind-the-scenes
Director Nam Dae Jung, known for his knack for blending humor with heartfelt storytelling (‘Homme Fatale’, ‘The Last Ride’ ‘Love Reset’), is at the helm of ‘First Ride’.
Why It’s Anticipated
- A rare ensemble comedy in Korean cinema, offering a fresh break from heavy dramas and thrillers.
- Cha Eunwoo’s first major comedy role in a movie, showcasing a new side of the actor.
- Relatable humor, anyone who’s traveled with friends will recognize the chaos.
- Director Nam Dae Jung’s track record for delivering crowd-pleasing hits.
‘First Ride’ Release Date
‘First Ride’ starring Cha Eunwoo, Kang Ha Neul, and Kim Young Kwang is expected to hit theaters in 2026. The all-star cast began filming for the movie on March 21, 2025, and is still in progress.
While an exact date hasn’t been confirmed, the film is already generating excitement, with rumors of a potential festival premiere. International release plans are still under wraps, but given the star power, a global rollout is likely.
