Cha Eun-woo, currently completing his mandatory military service, checked in via a written Q&A as his new film "The First Ride" rolls into theaters.
"The First Ride" is a buddy comedy about five ride-or-die friends finally taking their first trip abroad: the all-or-nothing Taejung (Kang Ha-neul), sunny Dojin (Kim Young-kwang), pretty-boy dreamer Yeon-min (Cha Eun-woo), perpetually sleepy Geumbok (Kang Young-seok), and lovable Oksim (Han Sun-hwa). Cha wrapped filming before enlisting, and the movie is opening while he serves.
“It’s a story that lets you feel the nostalgia and heat of youth all over again,” Cha says. “See it on the big screen―big and loud is the best way to feel it. Hope you have fun with it.”
<Q&A with Cha Eun-woo>
Q. What drew you to "The First Ride"?
A. I sat down with director Nam Dae-joong, and I’ve always loved comedy, so I wanted to take a swing at it. The script was genuinely funny, and the idea of working with this cast sounded like a blast, so I jumped in.
Q. Tell us about Yeon-min.
A. He’s shy and a bit of a loner, but around his friends he shows a quirky side. He’s strikingly good-looking and, even though he keeps to himself, he dreams of becoming a world-class DJ.
Q. What was your first impression of the script?
A. Yeon-min has a lot of narration―from start to finish, really―so it was a little daunting but also intriguing. Beginning from his observer’s point of view felt fresh, and the story of these five friends made me think of my own younger, more innocent days in a good way.
Q. Anything you focused on for the voice-over work?
A. It’s been a while since I wore a school uniform, so I aimed for a pure, understated tone. I also kept in mind the contrast the director wanted to build in post so the film’s more dramatic beats would really pop.
Q. Favorite line from "The First Ride"?
A. “I thought I was the only fool in the world, but I’m grateful you’re fools with me, my friends.”
Q. This film depends on real best-friend chemistry among Taejung, Dojin, and Geumbok. Any standout moments with your co-stars?
A. With Kang Ha-neul, I was already a fan―I once went to see him in a play. This is our first project together, and he truly lights up a set. He’s the first to say hi to everyone―“Hey! Hey, hey!”―even in the makeup chair, and he loves pitching ideas like, “What if we try it this way?” That energy made our scenes fun and fuller.
Kim Young-kwang and I go way back to Law of the Jungle when I was 20, so being together felt easy. We’re close, and it’s effortless to talk and trade ideas with him.
As for Kang Young-seok, who plays Geumbok, his early looks in the movie are hilarious. He wears a wig at one point and later shows up with a shaved head because his character is training like a monk. He’s upbeat and funny, always cracking jokes, and he helped keep the set lively for everyone.
Q. How was your first collaboration with director Nam Dae-joong?
A. Pure fun. The script had great energy, the cast is a riot, and working with Director Nam made it even better. He really listens to actors and brings lots of playful suggestions, which made the shoot a joy.
Q. The film is about a first trip in your 20s. If you could go back, where would you go?
A. “By the time it opens, will I still be in my 20s?” he joked. Honestly, it’s less about the place. I’d go anywhere―at home or abroad―as long as I’m with people I’m comfortable with. Going somewhere with the guys or my close circle would be perfect.
Q. Describe "The First Ride" in one word.
A. Youth. It’s brilliant and beautiful, but there are growing pains too―lessons learned and moments that shape you. Since the film centers on a first trip, you’ll see these characters learn, feel, and grow―that’s youth to me.
Q. A message for audiences waiting for the release?
A. We had so much fun making this. I hope it lets you relive the nostalgia and heat of your school days and youth. See it in theaters for the full experience, and come feel those emotions with us again. Enjoy!
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)
