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Reporter Park JinYoung of JoyNews24 held an interview to mark rising anticipation for “The First Ride,” speaking with actor Cha EunWoo about his first feature lead and the making of the comedy ahead of his enlistment.
With its ensemble of 24-year best friends—TaeJeong (Kang HaNeul), DoJin (Kim YoungKwang), YeonMin (Cha EunWoo), GeumBok (Kang YoungSeok), and OkSim (Han SunHwa)—“The First Ride” promises big laughs, energetic chemistry, and director Nam DaeJoong’s playful touch.
Opening on the 29th, “The First Ride” is already building strong word-of-mouth, with audiences praising Cha EunWoo’s turn as YeonMin and the film’s bright, youth-centered vibe.
This article has been translated from JoyNews24 for the purpose of sharing with our audience.
What made you join “The First Ride”?
After meeting Director Nam DaeJoong and talking a lot, I felt I wanted to try a comedy because I personally like the genre. Above all, the script was really fun, and I thought it would be enjoyable to work with the cast, so I came on board.
Cha EunWoo
Please introduce your character, YeonMin.
YeonMin is a bit passive and has loner tendencies, but when he’s with his friends he can be unexpectedly quirky. He’s also exceptionally good-looking, and though he’s small and a loner, he has a dream of becoming a world-class DJ.
Cha EunWoo
How did you feel when you first read the script?
YeonMin has a lot of narration. It runs almost from beginning to end, so that was a bit of a burden but also intriguing. In particular, starting from YeonMin’s perspective as an observer felt fresh. The film as a whole captures the youth of these five friends, which made me think a lot about my own younger, more innocent days, and I liked that.
Cha EunWoo
Was there anything you paid special attention to in your narration performance?
It’s been a while since I last wore a school uniform, you know. I tried to keep the delivery as pure and plain as possible. I also kept in mind the contrast the director would create later in post so the film’s dramatic setups would really come alive.
Cha EunWoo
What’s your favorite line in “The First Ride”?
‘I thought I was the only fool in the world, but thanks for being fools with me, friends.’
“The First Ride” depends on showing real ‘best-friend’ chemistry with TaeJeong, DoJin, and GeumBok. You must have many on-set stories with the cast.
With Kang HaNeul sunbaenim, I liked him so much that I once went to see his play. I greeted him then, and this was our first time working together. On set he was always bright—especially when getting makeup done—he’d be the first to go, ‘Hi! Hi, hi!’ He was like a hyung, a friend, and a senior all in one. On set he’d suggest ideas like, ‘How about we try it this way?’ and really led us well. I think that’s why the scenes came out more fun and fuller.
With YoungKwang hyung, we go back to when I was twenty on the show “Law of the Jungle”, so being together felt so comfortable. Because we’re close, it was easy to talk and share thoughts. As for GeumBok, YoungSeok hyung’s early-film visual is just hilarious. He wears a wig at one point, and later, since his character is a devotee, he appears with a shaved head. He’s a cheerful, funny hyung who cracked lots of jokes, so thanks to him we all blended well and had a great time filming.
Cha EunWoo
How was your first time working with Director Nam DaeJoong?
Honestly, it was so much fun. The script itself was fun, there were lots of energetic scenes, and with a playful cast and Director Nam together, filming was a blast. The director really listens to actors and offers lots of fun suggestions, which made it even more enjoyable.
Cha EunWoo
“The First Ride” tells the story of youths taking their first trip in their twenties. You ran non-stop through your twenties—if you could go back, where would you like to travel?
By the time the movie opens, will I still be in my twenties? (laughs) (Cha EunWoo enlisted without knowing the film’s release timing.) Honestly, more than the place, I just want to go anywhere. Whether it’s in Korea or overseas, any country would be fun. Going anywhere with my hyungs or people I feel comfortable with would be great.
Cha EunWoo
Describe “The First Ride” in one word.
Youth. Youth is radiant and beautiful, but within it there’s also pain, lessons learned, and growth—so it carries a complex meaning.
Since “The First Ride” is about episodes on a first trip, I think there are definitely moments where the characters learn, feel, and grow. That’s why I choose ‘youth.’
Cha EunWoo
Lastly, a message to audiences waiting for the release.
We had so much fun filming “The First Ride”. I think it’s a work that will let you feel once again the memories, nostalgia, and heat of your school days or youth.
You’ll feel it much better big and loud, so I hope you’ll watch it in theaters. I’d love for you to relive those feelings with us. Please enjoy the film.
Cha EunWoo
English (US) · 