Have you ever planned a perfect dream trip with your best friends—but then it turned into unforgettable chaos? Four friends waited twenty-four years for their dream getaway. But when they finally got the chance, it turned into a hilarious disaster. Here’s everything you need to know about the new Korean film in 2025, “The First Ride.”
“The First Ride” (퍼스트라이드) Korean Film 2025
From the director of “Love Reset,” the upcoming Korean film “The First Ride” (퍼스트라이드) unites a dream cast—a guaranteed recipe for delightful chaos. These Korea’s most beloved actors take on a comedic adventure, blending laugh-out-loud humor with the relatable heart of lifelong friendship.
Synopsis: Four Friends, One Dream, and Some Serious Chaos
Four childhood friends—Tae Jung, Do Jin, Yeon Min, and Geum Bok—have been talking about taking an epic trip together since they were kids.
But for 24 years, life got in the way. You know how it goes. Jobs, responsibilities, and the simple messiness of growing up always pushed their dream aside.
Now, they’re finally doing it. Tickets are booked. Bags are packed.
They hope for a relaxing and memorable journey together. But “relaxing” is the last word you’d use to describe what happens next.
Their long-awaited adventure quickly careens off course. It turns into a whirlwind of absurd situations and unexpected detours.
Then things get even more interesting. Another friend, the unstoppable Ok Shim, crashes the party. Their first ride is guaranteed to be a spectacular mess.
This story asks a simple question. What happens when a perfect plan meets the hilarious imperfection of real life and friendship?
Meet the Dream Team of Disaster
A film about friendship lives or dies by its cast, and “The First Ride” has assembled an absolute powerhouse. You’ll feel the chemistry pop right off the screen.
Kang Ha Neul plays Tae Jung, the group’s perfectionist. He’s the guy with the looks, the brains, and probably a laminated itinerary for the trip. You can imagine him trying to keep everyone on schedule while the world around him erupts in chaos.
Kim Youngkwang is Do Jin, a man who once dreamed of becoming a basketball player, but finds new purpose and goals in life thanks to his best friend. He brings passion and strength to the group. He brings the heart and the muscle to the group.
Cha Eun Woo steps into a fun, new role as Yeon Min. Forget the cool, princely characters you’ve seen him play before. Here, he’s a passionate dreamer who aims to become a world-famous DJ. We can’t wait to see him behind the turntables.
Kang Youngseok plays Geum Bok, the deeply devout friend who has followed a spiritual path his entire life. His calm faith is sure to be tested on this wild journey.
And then there’s Han Sunhwa as Ok Shim, the woman of action. She’s the wonderfully unpredictable force of nature who joins the trip and throws a wrench in everyone’s plans. If something’s going to go sideways, she’s probably the reason why.
This cast isn’t just a group of actors; it’s a squad you’ll want to go on a road trip with.
Behind the Scenes
If you’re looking for a film that knows how to make you laugh, you’re in good hands. Director Nam Dae Joong is at the helm, and he’s a master of Korean comedy.
He previously directed the witty historical comedy “Homme Fatale” (2019) and the touching yet hilarious “The Last Ride” (2016). He has an exceptional talent for finding the heart in humor, making his films feel amusing and deeply human.
Reasons to Watch
1. A Cast with Strong Chemistry
Have you ever imagined Korea’s top actors—Kang Ha Neul, Kim Young Kwang, Cha Eun Woo, Kang Young Seok, and Han Sunhwa—meeting on the same screen? You’ll get a fantastic cast whose chemistry is already famous. Soon, their lively and charming energy will steal your heart from start to finish.
2. A Relatable Story
This film captures that feeling of chasing a dream that’s slipping away. It’s a fun, chaotic, and heartwarming look at friendship and getting older. You’ll be laughing one minute and remembering your own lifelong friends the next as they finally take that dream vacation they’ve talked about forever.
3. Seasoned Director
Director Nam Dae Joong knows how to make you laugh until you cry and even touch your heart. So, expect to laugh hard, but don’t be surprised if your heart gets a little warmer, too.
4. More Than Just a Comedy
This film mixes humor with touching moments. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, and the best kind—the one you’ll want to ride again as soon as it’s over.
5. Cannes Film Market
“The First Ride” was included in the 2025 Cannes Film Market. The film became a global appeal, sparking initial market interest.
6. Cha Eun Woo as a DJ
Finally, Cha Eun-woo breaks away from his typical “cool and handsome” character. In this film, he transforms into an aspiring DJ.
7. Reunion Project
This film marks actor Kang Haneul and director Nam Dae Joong’s second movie after their first project, “Love Reset,” in 2023.
“The First Ride” Premiere
After making a splash at this year’s Cannes Film Market, “The First Ride” will hit South Korean theaters on October 29, 2025. Details regarding its international release and streaming options will be announced after its theatrical run, so stay tuned!
Your Ticket to Chaotic Gateway
Why “The First Ride” should be in your watchlist?
The film is more than a road trip comedy. It’s a reminder that the best parts of life are often the messy ones, like unplanned moments we share with our friends.
It perfectly captures that feeling—when the detailed plan falls apart and the map becomes useless, but you’re laughing so hard with your friends that none of it matters.
This story is about friendship. The kind that survives twenty-four years of silence and picks right back up in a chaotic rental car. In a world that feels increasingly complicated, this adventure story with best friends is the one we all need.
So, what about you?
What’s the most chaotic trip you’ve ever taken with your friends? Please share your story in the comments below!
In the meantime, watch the trailer for the new 2025 Korean film “The First Ride” here.
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