'First Ride' Kang Ha-neul mentioned Cha Eun-woo, who cannot join because of military enlistment.
On the morning of the 24th at a cafe in Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, an interview with Kang Ha-neul, the lead actor of the film 'First Ride', took place.
The film 'First Ride' (director Nam Dae-jung, distributed by SHOWBOX, produced by Brain Shower and TH Story) is a comedy about 24-year friends who are funnier together: the guy who sees things through Tae-jung (Kang Ha-neul), the cheerful guy Do-jin (Kim Young-kwang), the handsome guy Yeon-min (Cha Eun-woo), the guy who sleeps with his eyes open Geum-bok (Kang Young-seok), and the lovable Ok-sim (Han Sun-hwa), who set off on their first overseas trip. It is an over-the-top comedy film depicting the extreme friendship of five friends whose long-awaited first trip turns into a chaotic journey.
Kang Ha-neul gave a passionate performance as Jung Tae-jung, who scored perfect marks on the college entrance exam and even landed a position as a chief of staff. After the 2023 hit '30', he reunited with director Nam Dae-jung, raising expectations.
This year Kang Ha-neul appeared in theatrical films Streaming and YADANG: The Snitch, Netflix's Squid Game 3 and Wall To Wall, and Genie TV's Tastefully Yours, among many other works. Working like an ox, he earned the nickname "monthly Kang Ha-neul."
"There are many reactions saying this film reminds them of 'Twenty'" he said, "I didn't feel that during filming. The cast is different, and so much time has passed since 'Twenty' that I didn't really know," adding, "Actually I wasn't thinking of 'Twenty' while filming, but as I watched the movie a sense of déjà vu came over me. When I thought about it quietly, memories from 'Twenty' came back. The color tone is similar, and although I myself wasn't good at studying, playing a character who is good at studying is also similar," he said with a laugh.
'First Ride' is Cha Eun-woo's last work before enlistment. He enlisted in the army band in July and is currently serving, so although this is his first leading role on screen he cannot participate in promotional activities.
Kang Ha-neul, who said he also felt regret, said, "I've seen many handsome people over the years. I saw Woo-bin too. (laughs) But Eun-woo is really stylish. Eun-woo's face is interesting," adding, "To be honest, he's more fun than our movie 'First Ride.' I can see what it means that just watching him makes you laugh. When Eun-woo comes to the set tired, it's funny because he's tired, and even when he comes into the makeup room it's really funny," drawing laughter.
Asked, "Aren't you disappointed you can't promote together with Cha Eun-woo?" he said, "I knew from the start. It wasn't decided totally suddenly, so toward the end of filming there were comments like 'We'll promote hard~ go back safely.'" He added, "If we could do stage greetings together after the release it would help the audience numbers, so that's a bit regretful. Eun-woo would do a lot of fan service. Even if people come just to see Eun-woo, many would come. Even if he can't promote, he's in the movie, so I hope many people come to see it," he said with a smile.
Meanwhile, 'First Ride' opens on the 29th.
[Photo] Provided by SHOWBOX Corp.
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