Kang Ha-neul says he could not stop laughing while reading script for 'The First Ride'

▲ From L: Actors Kang Ha-neul, Kim Young-kwang, Kang Young-seok and Han Sun-hwa pose with a life-size doll printed with the face of Cha Eun-woo, who is absent due to military service, during a press conference for the film "The First Ride" at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul on Sept. 25, 2025. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Sept. 25 (Yonhap) -- "When I read scripts, I usually imagine the scenes in my head. With 'The First Ride,' every time a scene came to mind, it was funny. That’s why I enjoyed reading it so much."

South Korean actor Kang Ha-neul recalled his first impression of the script for the comedy film "The First Ride" during a press conference at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul on Wednesday, saying it was a script that kept him laughing.

The film follows five friends of 24 years who embark on their first overseas trip: Tae-jung (Kang Ha-neul), who never lets things slide; Do-jin (Kim Young-kwang), the cheerful one; Yeon-min (Cha Eun-woo), the handsome one; Geum-bok (Kang Young-seok), who can sleep with his eyes open; and Ok-sim (Han Sun-hwa), the lovable one.

▲ Actor Kang Ha-neul attends the press conference for the film "The First Ride" at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul on Sept. 25, 2025. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Kang said that filming felt just as fun as the script, as if he were acting with long-time friends. "When you’re with old friends, no matter what position you hold at work, you become silly and playful. That’s exactly how it felt this time," he said. "At first I tried to hold back my laughter, but every scene was full of gems, so I just laughed out loud."

"The First Ride" marks Kang’s second collaboration with director Nam Dae-joong in two years following the 2023 comedy "30 Days." Kang plays a National Assembly aide this time, after taking on the role of a lawyer in "30 Days."

"I don’t think I’ve ever reunited with a director again this quickly," Kang said. "Because we already knew each other’s styles, there was no need for long discussions." He added with a laugh, "I think directors give me these intellectual roles just to tease me, but I’m not really an intellectual person."

Nam praised the actor, saying, "Kang Ha-neul is the actor who best brings my scripts and direction to life. This time, he exceeded my expectations again. I even told him on set that I’d be happy making films only with him." He also said the casting of Kim Young-kwang, Kang Young-seok, Han Sun-hwa and Cha Eun-woo was perfect.

"Watching the edited version proved that choosing Han Sun-hwa was not a mistake," Nam said. "And Yeon-min, played by Cha Eun-woo, is a character that would not have been convincing without him. It was also a blessing that he wanted to try comedy acting at the same time. It felt like fate."

▲ Actor Kang Ha-neul attends the press conference for the film "The First Ride" at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul on Sept. 25, 2025. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

The cast members all praised the script and their chemistry on set. Han Sun-hwa said, "The script was so fun that I read it three times in one sitting. Working with Kang Ha-neul, Kim Young-kwang, Kang Young-seok and Cha Eun-woo was so precious that I wanted to keep it just to myself." She became emotional during the event when recalling a supportive message Kang sent her after filming. "I leaned on him a lot for acting advice, and his words encouraged me to work even harder in future projects," she said.

Cha Eun-woo, currently serving in the military, shared a video message: "This film reminded me of my school days and gave me a sense of nostalgia. I hope audiences will enjoy the film as a chance to relive those memories together."

"The First Ride" opens in local theaters on Oct. 29.

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