Fans of Cha Eun-woo have something exciting to talk about this week. The first look at his debut film, The First Ride, has been released. This is a big moment because the popular actor and singer is currently serving in the South Korean military. The news has spread quickly online, and supporters are sharing their joy and support.
About “The First Ride” and Cha Eun-woo’s Role
The First Ride is a comedy-adventure movie about four friends who have known each other since they were young. They decide to finally take their first trip abroad together as they approach the age of 30. What they plan as a fun and carefree vacation soon turns into a series of unexpected and funny problems. Along the way, old feelings come back, and the friends learn more about themselves and each other.
In the film, Cha Eun-woo plays Yeon-min, a character who dreams of becoming a DJ and performing at big music festivals around the world. The first image released shows Cha Eun-woo wearing a school uniform, which reminds many fans of his role in the popular drama True Beauty. He also sports long hair and an earring, a new look that has caught everyone’s attention.
The movie is directed by Nam Dae-joong, who also directed the well-known film Love Reset. The other main actors include Kang Ha-neul, Kim Young-kwang, and Kang Young-seok. Han Sun-hwa also appears in the film. The production companies are Brain Shower and TH Story, and Showbox is distributing the movie in South Korea.
Filming for the movie began on March 21, 2025. It was also featured in the 2025 Cannes Film Market, where it attracted interest from international distributors. The first official photos from the movie were released in April 2025, showing the cast in various funny and adventurous situations.
Cha Eun-woo’s Current Military Service
Cha Eun-woo started his mandatory military service on July 28, 2025. He is currently serving in the Republic of Korea Army’s brass band after finishing five weeks of basic training. His expected discharge date is January 27, 2027, after completing an 18-month service period.
Before leaving for the military, Cha Eun-woo held a fan meeting called THE ROYAL on July 12, 2025. He also went live on YouTube to talk with his fans, saying that enlisting felt “surreal” and that his new short haircut was the shortest it had been since he was a baby. He promised to return safely and healthily.
Cha Eun-woo said: “I will be back safe and healthy. I wish all the best for you all.”
His agency, Fantagio, asked fans not to gather at the training center for safety reasons. They also shared that Cha Eun-woo had applied to join the Army Military Band because of his performance background and was accepted.
How Fans Are Reacting
Fans are very excited about Cha Eun-woo’s new movie role. Many have taken to social media to share their thoughts. Some are especially happy to see him in a school uniform again, while others are excited about his new look with long hair and an earring.
One fan on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:
“Movie of the year is coming!”
Another user said:
“AHHHH CHA EUNWOO IN SCHOOL UNIFORM AGAIN AND WITH EARRINGS”
Many are also looking forward to seeing the chemistry between Cha Eun-woo and Kang Ha-neul, another very popular actor. Comments like “Oh to have these two in one movie” and “It’s gonna be chaotic” show that people are eager to see them together on screen.
Even though Cha Eun-woo is away in the military, fans are keeping his presence alive by discussing his upcoming projects and sharing old memories. His dedication to his work and his fans is clearly appreciated.
More About Cha Eun-woo’s Career
Cha Eun-woo is a member of the boy band ASTRO, which debuted in 2016. He has also acted in several well-known Korean dramas. Some of his most famous roles include Gangnam Beauty, Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung, True Beauty, and Wonderful World.
This movie, The First Ride, marks his first leading role in a big-screen film. It is set to be released in theaters in South Korea in October 2025. While he is in the military, other projects of his, like this movie and a new supernatural drama, are expected to be released, so fans will still be able to enjoy his work.
Also Read: Cha Eun-Woo Travels to Tokyo for ‘The Royal’ Fan Meeting After Successful Seoul Event
