While serving in the military, Cha Eun Woo has shared a pre-enlistment interview about his upcoming film ‘The First Ride’, drawing attention ahead of its release.
Set to hit theaters on October 29, ‘The First Ride’ is a comedy about five longtime friends of 24 years — Tae Jung (Kang Ha Neul), Do Jin (Kim Young Kwang), Yeon Min (Cha Eun Woo), Geum Bok (Kang Young Seok), and Ok Shim (Han Sun Hwa) — who embark on their first overseas trip together.
Q. What made you join ‘The First Ride’?
“After meeting director Nam Dae Joong and having several conversations, I felt drawn to the project. I personally enjoy the comedy genre and wanted to take on the challenge. Above all, the script was genuinely funny, and I thought it would be a joy to work with the other actors, so I decided to join.”
Q. Tell us about your character, Yeon Min.
“Yeon Min is a quiet, somewhat introverted guy, but when he’s with his friends, he shows a quirky side. He’s good-looking and small in stature, but he dreams of becoming a world-famous DJ despite being a bit of a loner.”
Q. What was your first impression of the script?
“The script includes a lot of Yeon Min’s narration — from start to finish, really — so I did feel a bit of pressure. But it was also fascinating. I liked how the story begins from Yeon Min’s observer’s perspective, which felt fresh. The film as a whole captures the youth of these five friends, and it reminded me a lot of my own younger, more innocent days.”
Q. What did you focus on for the narration scenes?
“It’s been a while since I wore a school uniform, so I tried to bring out a pure and honest tone. I also kept in mind the contrast the director wanted to highlight later in the story, so that the emotional shifts would feel natural.”
Q. Any memorable moments with the cast — Kang Ha Neul, Kim Young Kwang, Kang Young Seok, and others?
“I’ve always admired Kang Ha Neul sunbaenim — I even went to watch one of his plays before. I greeted him back then, and this was our first time actually working together. He’s always cheerful on set. Even during makeup, he’d greet everyone with a big ‘Hi! Hi, hi!’ and brighten up the mood. He’s a warm senior, friend, and older brother figure who often suggested ideas like, ‘What if we try it this way?’ to make the scenes better.
As for Young Kwang hyung, we first met when I was twenty on the show ‘Law of the Jungle’, so being together again felt very comfortable. We’ve been close for a long time, and it was easy to talk and share ideas.
And Geum Bok — Young Seok hyung — his look in the movie is hilarious. He wears a wig at one point, then shaves his head because his character becomes a monk. He’s such a fun, easygoing guy who cracks jokes all the time, so the atmosphere on set was always lively and full of laughter.”
Q. If you could describe ‘The First Ride’ in one word?
“Youth. Youth is dazzling and beautiful, but it also comes with pain, lessons, and growth. ‘The First Ride’ captures that mix — through the friends’ first trip together, they experience, learn, and grow. That’s why the word ‘youth’ feels perfect for this movie.”
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