Seoul: The upcoming comedy "The First Ride" kicks off with a first-person voice-over narration by Yeon-min, portrayed by Cha Eun-woo, a shy and solitary boy who finds friendship with three other boys during elementary school. This marks the beginning of an enduring camaraderie that forms the backbone of the film.
According to Yonhap News Agency, as Yeon-min grows up, he charms those around him with his good looks, though he remains oblivious to his appeal, believing instead that his future lies in comedy rather than his dream of becoming a DJ. His friends, each with unique traits, accompany him on this journey: Tae-jung, played by Kang Ha-neul, is both academically brilliant and a top fighter, Do-jin, portrayed by Kim Young-kwang, dreams of basketball stardom until an injury intervenes, and Geum-bok, played by Kang Young-seok, is a son of a Buddhist nun who detests studying.
The four friends remain inseparable through their school years, providing a chaotic and humorous presence. During their senior year, they plan a trip to Thailand to attend a music festival. To gain parental approval, Tae-jung throws himself into studying, achieving a perfect score on college entrance exams. However, their first overseas adventure quickly unravels following an unexpected incident at a rest area.
Years later, Tae-jung becomes a legislative aide, Geum-bok works as a tattooist at a temple, and Do-jin struggles with mental illness. Yeon-min has moved to New Zealand, leaving his friends behind. At Do-jin's insistence, the friends, along with Ok-sim, played by Han Sun-hwa, set off for Thailand to fulfill their high school dream, with Yeon-min represented by a dummy. Their journey devolves into a series of absurd and unpredictable events.
Director Nam Dae-jung collaborates once more with actor Kang, aiming to replicate their previous success from the 2023 romantic comedy "Love Reset." Kang excels as the model student whose extreme dedication becomes comical, while the ensemble cast delivers straight-faced performances that ground the film's eccentric characters. Despite some pacing issues, a twist near the end resolves plot inconsistencies, making the film's conclusion rewarding.
"The First Ride" is scheduled for release next Wednesday.