South Korean cinema is ready to gift audiences a heartwarming yet laugh-out-loud road movie this fall with “The First Ride” (퍼스트라이드). Directed by Nam Dae-Joong and boasting a star-studded lineup, this adventure comedy promises both side-splitting humor and plenty of nostalgic feels.
The Story of First Ride
What happens when a group of childhood friends—whose lives have taken different paths—finally embark on their long-promised first trip overseas? “The First Ride” dives right into the answer, blending universal themes of friendship, growing older, and chasing dreams with laugh-a-minute misadventures.
The plot centers on five friends who’ve known each other for 24 years:
- Tae-Jung (Kang Ha-Neul): The perfectionist with a privileged background and ambitious nature.
- Do-Jin (Kim Young-Kwang): Once a basketball hopeful, he’s now searching for new meaning.
- Yeon-Min (Cha Eun-Woo): The dreamer aiming to be a world-famous DJ.
- Geum-Bok (Kang Young-Seok): Raised in religion, a wild card among the group.
- Ok-Sim (Han Sun-Hwa): The fearless doer, who can’t resist joining the journey at the last minute.
When Ok-Sim unexpectedly joins the crew, what was meant to be a dream vacation spirals into chaos—with comical cultural mishaps and buried emotions erupting at every turn.
Watch the Official Trailer | The First Ride (퍼스트라이드)
“The First Ride” is already being championed as a feel-good, “100% pure comedy” that explores the bittersweet realities of adulthood and the enduring power of friendship. Fans are particularly excited to see Cha Eun-Woo in his first major comedic film role, paired with the winning chemistry between Kang Ha-Neul and Kim Young-Kwang.
Director Nam Dae-Joong’s signature blend of slice-of-life storytelling and slapstick comedy shines in teasers and posters, suggesting the movie is set to deliver both laughs and tears.
Genre: Comedy
Starring: Kang Ha Neul (강하늘), Kim Young Kwang (김영광), Cha Eun Woo (차은우), Kang Young Seok (강영석), Han Sun Hwa (한선화)
Director: Nam Dae-Joong
Language: Korean
Country: South Korea
Korean Theatrical Release: October 29, 2025
Distributor: Showbox
International release and streaming dates are yet to be confirmed, but fans are hopeful for a global rollout on platforms like Netflix or Disney+ after the Korean theatrical run.
Fans of feel-good travel comedies and coming-of-age stories should mark their calendars for “The First Ride.” This film aims to strike a balance between slapstick comedy and heart, making it the perfect autumn treat for Korean film lovers everywhere.
