Although Cha Eun-woo is currently serving in the military, his latest film The First Ride is set to premiere soon and his close friends and co-stars made sure to celebrate his presence in spirit.
On October 22, the press screening for The First Ride was held at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul, attended by director Nam Dae-joong and actors Kang Ha-neul, Kim Young-kwang, Kang Young-seok, and Han Sun-hwa.
The comedy film follows four lifelong friends who embark on their first trip abroad after 24 years of friendship. Director Nam, known for Love Reset and Homme Fatale, revealed that he had actually written The First Ride before Love Reset: “I originally planned to film this first, but COVID-19 made overseas shooting impossible. I’m grateful that it’s finally reaching audiences now.”
He added that the story’s message centers on living joyfully in the present: “There’s a line in the movie ‘next time.’ I wanted to show that instead of waiting for a vague ‘next time,’ we should live happily and fully in the moment, with the people around us.”
Cha Eun-woo, who plays aspiring DJ Yeon-min, couldn’t attend due to his military service, but his castmates sent him warm messages. Kang Ha-neul said, “We know he’s working hard in the army. Eun-woo, we’ll promote the movie well for you! Hope you watch it when you’re on leave you’ll love it!” Kim Young-kwang added, “It’s a pity he couldn’t join us. I hope we can meet soon.”
Kang Young-seok jokingly said, “We’ll be watching it together soon. Jealous, right? I think his leave is coming up Eun-woo, call us!”
Director Nam added humorously, “It would’ve been great if he were here, but since he’s serving the country, I just hope he goes to see it on his own and pays for his ticket.”
Despite his absence, Cha Eun-woo’s narration voice is featured in the film. Director Nam shared, “Because of his enlistment, we had to record early. He finished filming, saw a rough cut, and I asked him to narrate naturally as if talking to his friends.”
Kang Ha-neul plays Tae-jung, a top student turned parliamentary aide. Working again with director Nam, he said, “I always enjoy filming with him. He encourages open communication, which makes the process fun and creative.”
Although now 35, Kang Ha-neul also portrayed a high school student in parts of the film. He explained, “For teenage scenes, I wore makeup to look fresher. Later, as an adult, I went makeup-free to show life’s wear and tear that contrast was intentional.”
Kim Young-kwang, who plays former basketball hopeful Do-jin, praised the on-set chemistry: “The fun we had together naturally showed on screen.” Describing his character, he said, “Do-jin has a subtle, constant madness. I tried to make that believable without overdoing it.”
Kang Young-seok, portraying Geum-bok, a monk’s son, joked about acting as a student next to older co-stars: “I thought standing next to these hyungs would automatically make me look younger plus, I had a bowl cut!”
Han Sun-hwa plays Ok-shim, a woman devoted to Tae-jung. She shared, “Filming was full of joy. I grew so fond of my co-stars. I’m actually a romantic at heart, so I related to Ok-shim right away.”
She added warmly, “Everyone has a childhood and youth to look back on. I hope our film gives audiences something to relate to from parents reminiscing about their past to young people shaping their futures.”
The cast also playfully apologized for their student roles. Kang Ha-neul laughed, “If actual high schoolers had been in the frame with us, it would’ve been awkward. I admit I might be past the school uniform age.” Kim Young-kwang joked, “I’ll refrain next time,” while Kang Young-seok bowed, adding, “I sincerely apologize once again.”
The First Ride, showcasing heartfelt friendship and youthful comedy, premieres in Korean theaters on October 29.
Sources: Daum
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