The production team behind Cha Eun Woo’s upcoming film The First Ride has released a pre-enlistment Q&A with the star.
The First Ride is a feel-good comedy about five lifelong friends embarking on their first overseas trip together: The lineup features Kang Ha Neul as Tae Jung, the relentless one; Kim Young Kwang as Do Jin, the cheerful one; Cha Eun Woo as Yeon Min, the handsome one; Kang Young Seok as Geum Bok, the one who sleeps with his eyes open; and Han Sun Hwa as Ok Sim, the lovely one.
Cha Eun Woo first explained what drew him to the project, saying, “I’ve always enjoyed comedy and wanted to give the genre a shot. The script was genuinely funny, and working with this cast just felt like the perfect fit.”
Describing his character Yeon Min, Cha explained that he’s “quiet and a bit of a loner” but “shows an unexpectedly goofy side around his friends.”
When asked what drew him to the script, Cha mentioned Yeon Min’s heavy narration. “He guides the story almost from start to finish,” he said. “It was a little intimidating, but it also felt fresh and interesting. The film captures the essence of youth and friendship—it reminded me of my own early, innocent days.” He also reflected on how he approached his narration, saying, “It’s been a while since I wore a school uniform, so I wanted to sound as pure and genuine as possible.”
Talking about his co-stars, Cha had nothing but praise. “I’ve admired Kang Ha Neul for a long time—I even went to see one of his plays,” he recalled. “On set, he was always bright and warm, the first to say hello and share ideas. Kim Young Kwang and I actually worked together when I was twenty on ‘Law of the Jungle,’ so we already had a good bond. And Kang Yeong Seok kept everyone laughing—he even shaved his head for his role. The set was full of fun energy thanks to them.”
Summing up The First Ride in one word, Cha chose youth. “Youth is dazzling and beautiful, but it also comes with pain,” he said. “Just like how this first trip becomes a turning point for the characters, it’s where they learn, feel, and grow.”
The First Ride opens in Korean theaters on November 29th.
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