Lifelong Friends Embark on Chaotic Yet Heartwarming Overseas Adventure

In October 2025, actor Kang Ha-neul sat down to discuss his new comedy film 'First Ride,' which he describes as a story that goes beyond just humor, offering emotional warmth and nostalgic friendship. Directed by Nam Dae-joong, the film follows a group of lifelong friends as they embark on their first overseas trip together - a journey filled with laughter and introspection.

Kang and his co-stars, including Kim Young-kwang, Cha Eun-woo, Han Sun-hwa, and Kang Young-seok, spent over a month filming on location in Thailand, an experience Kang likened to "going on a real trip with friends." Despite the extreme heat, the cast bonded and enjoyed the process, creating "a beautiful memory shared with pure-hearted people."

Kang worked closely with director Nam to strike the right balance between the film's comedic and emotional moments. "We didn't want the comic moments to be exaggerated or the emotional ones too heavy," Kang explained, highlighting the creative freedom on set that allowed the cast to provide input and enhance the scenes.

'First Ride' marks the culmination of a busy year for Kang, who has appeared in six different projects in 2025, including films and dramas. "Everything I've filmed over the past three to four years has been released this year," he noted, feeling like he's reached the "end of a long race." Kang's next project is 'Ode to My Father 2,' where he'll continue to explore themes of generational sacrifice and human connection.