A group of childhood friends finally go on their dream trip, only to have it spiral into chaos. That’s the simple premise of the new South Korean adventure comedy “The First Ride,” which brings together a star-studded cast including Kang Ha-neul, Kim Young-kwang, Cha Eun-woo, Kang Young-seok, and Han Sun-hwa. The film, directed by Nam Dae-joong, is set to hit South Korean theaters on October 29, 2025.
The movie follows four friendsโTae-jeong, Do-jin, Yeon-min, and Geum-bokโwho have been inseparable for 24 years. They finally act on their long-held dream of taking an overseas trip together. However, their plans for a carefree getaway are completely upended when an unexpected companion, Ok-shim, decides to join them, throwing their entire journey into disarray.
Meet the Characters and Cast
The film’s released stills and character descriptions give a clear picture of the five distinct personalities that will drive the comedy.
Kang Ha-neul plays Tae-jeong, the group’s perfectionist. Described as “the one who sees things through,” his character is an elite office worker with a handsome appearance and a need to do everything right, which is sure to clash with the unpredictable nature of the trip.
Kim Young-kwang takes on the role of Do-jin, “the bright one” of the group. He is portrayed as a cheerful and pure character who was once fixated on becoming a basketball player but has since found a new goal through his friends. His positive energy is a core part of the group’s dynamic.
Cha Eun-woo stars as Yeon-min, “the handsome one.” His character dreams of becoming a world-renowned DJ, and his stunning looks are a key part of his identity, though he remains comically oblivious to the reason for his charm.
Kang Young-seok is Geum-bok, “the quirky one.” Having turned to religion from an early age, his character has mastered the unusual skill of sleeping with his eyes open and brings a uniquely eccentric touch to the group’s adventures.
Han Sun-hwa rounds out the cast as Ok-shim, “the lovely one” or “the shameless one.” She is a person of action who has had her eyes set on Tae-jeong for nearly two decades. She joins the trip on a whim, and her bold, unapologetic personality is the main catalyst for the journey’s descent into chaos.
A Director and Star Reunite
“The First Ride” marks a quick reunion for director Nam Dae-joong and actor Kang Ha-neul, who previously worked together on the 2023 box-office hit “Love Reset,” which drew over 2.1 million moviegoers.
At a recent press conference, Kang expressed his excitement about teaming up with the director again so soon. “It is the first time I’ve worked with the same director in such a short period,” Kang said. “Since we already knew each other’s styles, we didn’t need long conversations to discuss things.” He added that the director seemed more confident and relaxed after their previous success, making the set feel more comfortable and fun.
Director Nam reciprocated the praise, showing his strong trust in the actor. “While making ‘Love Reset,’ I felt Kang is the actor who can best bring to life the projects that I write and direct,” he said. “I feel like I would be happy to do all my future projects with him.”
Promoting as a Full Cast, Despite Military Service
A unique challenge for promoting “The First Ride” has been the absence of Cha Eun-woo, who is currently serving his mandatory military term. However, the cast and crew found a special way to include him.
During a production briefing event on September 25, the team played a pre-recorded video message from Cha Eun-woo. “I really enjoyed filming The First Ride,” he said in the clip. “You’ll be able to feel the memories, nostalgia, and intensity of school days. Please watch in theaters and experience the moments where you can share and reminisce about youth together.”
In a heartfelt and humorous gesture, his co-star Kim Young-kwang ensured a “full cast” appearance by bringing a life-size doll with Cha Eun-woo’s face to the event. The doll was even placed in the audience to “watch” the proceedings, a move that delighted fans and highlighted the close bond among the cast.
Director Nam also expressed his regret that Cha could not attend but emphasized how crucial the actor was to the film. “His character’s plausibility wouldn’t be established if not for Cha,” the director stated. “If he hadn’t accepted the cast offer, we would have had to either change the character itself. Fortunately, our needs met perfectly as he also wanted to try comedic acting.”
What to Expect from the Film
“The First Ride” is positioned as a chaotic comedy that explores friendship and the unpredictable nature of long-awaited adventures. The storyline follows a classic formula of a planned trip going hilariously wrong, but with the added depth of characters who have shared a bond for over two decades.
The released posters and trailers hint at the film’s offbeat humor and heartwarming take on friendship. One poster, labeled the “promise” poster, captures the pure-hearted pact the friends made in their youth to travel together one day. Another, the “initial mindset” poster, shows the group’s determination to embrace their quirks and become what the film calls “the nation’s most lovable fools.”
The character trailer introduces the wildly different personalities, from Tae-jeong the flawless overachiever to Do-jin the oddball who dreams of adopting cattle, promising a riot of nonstop laughs as their journey descends into a whirlwind of misadventures.
With filming having wrapped up on June 11, 2025, and the film already being featured in the 2025 Cannes Film Market, anticipation is building for its release at the end of October. Distributed by Showbox, “The First Ride” aims to offer audiences a fun, silly, and relatable take on friendships and the chaos that often accompanies even the best-laid plans.
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