🌏✈️😂The First Ride (2025) – Cast, Plot, Release Date, Review & Where to Watch | A Chaotic Journey of Friendship, Dreams & First Adventures

Get ready to laugh, cry, and relive the magic of firsts! The First Ride (퍼스트 라이드) is an upcoming South Korean adventure comedy directed by Nam Dae-joong, starring an all-star lineup—Kang Ha-neul, Kim Young-kwang, Cha Eun-woo, Kang Young-seok, and Han Sun-hwa. The film hits South Korean theaters on October 29, 2025, distributed by Showbox.

This warm-hearted comedy isn’t just about traveling abroad—it’s about dreams long delayed, friendships tested, and the chaos that follows when expectations meet reality.

🚲 A Dream 24 Years in the Making

For 24 years, childhood friends Tae-jung, Do-jin, Yeon-min, and Geum-bok have been inseparable. Through thick and thin, they’ve carried the same dream—taking a trip together overseas.

Finally, that long-awaited day arrives. But like any great adventure, the unexpected shows up too: Ok-shim (Han Sun-hwa), an uninvited yet unforgettable travel companion who throws their entire journey into delightful chaos.

As the group sets off on their first ride into the unknown, the trip becomes a whirlwind of mishaps, laughter, hidden truths, and heartwarming revelations.

Or as one of the characters jokingly puts it:

“We planned a trip… but we didn’t plan for this much trouble.”

🌟 The Cast – A Perfect Mix of Comedy and Heart

The magic of The First Ride lies in its dynamic cast, bringing both emotional depth and comedic timing:

• Kang Ha-neul as Tae-jung – the reliable leader of the group.

• Kim Young-kwang as Do-jin – the bold and spontaneous troublemaker.

• Cha Eun-woo as Yeon-min – charming yet naive, often the heart of comic relief.

• Kang Young-seok as Geum-bok – the quiet observer with unexpected moments of brilliance.

• Han Sun-hwa as Ok-shim – the wildcard who transforms their journey in unpredictable ways.

🎬 Behind the Scenes

• Director: Nam Dae-joong, known for crafting heartfelt comedies with sharp emotional resonance.

• Cinematography: Nam Dong-geun captures vibrant locales and hilarious travel mishaps with flair.

• Editing: Park Joo-young ensures the pacing matches the wild ups and downs of their adventure.

Filming took place between March and June 2025, and the film was showcased at the 2025 Cannes Film Market, building strong buzz ahead of release.

🍿 Why You Should Watch

• Universal Relatability – Who hasn’t dreamed of traveling with their childhood friends?

• Comedy Meets Emotion – Expect belly laughs balanced with touching reflections on friendship and growing up.

• Cha Eun-woo’s Charm – His comedic timing paired with boyish innocence promises plenty of meme-worthy moments.

• Han Sun-hwa’s Twist – As the unexpected tagalong, she ensures nothing goes as planned.

⭐ Conclusion: Friendship on the Road Less Traveled

At its core, The First Ride is more than a travel comedy—it’s a celebration of the dreams we share, the people we grow up with, and the messy beauty of living in the moment.

As these childhood friends set off on their first journey abroad, audiences will be reminded that sometimes the best trips are the ones that go completely off script.

🎟️ Mark your calendars: The First Ride hits theaters in South Korea on October 29, 2025. Whether you come for the laughs, the cast, or the nostalgia of friendship, this is one ride you won’t want to miss.