The Korean feature film, “The First Ride,” officially premiered in Vietnam on November 20, 2025, featuring a stellar cast including Kang Ha Neul, Cha Eun Woo, Kim Young Kwang, and Kang Young Seok. Since its debut, the film has generated significant buzz by exploring themes of friendship, youth, and the journey of self-discovery through a life-changing road trip.

The Message: Live Every Moment to the Fullest

More than just a comedy, “The First Ride” drives home a familiar yet timeless message: live for the present. This “living” is not solely defined by work or passion but also by nurturing close relationships and truly enjoying life before it’s too late.

The four best friends—Tae Jung, Yeon Min, Do Jin, and Geum Bok—grew up together but never took a proper overseas trip during their school days. Ten years later, as adult life drags them into the grind, they realize they have lost the carefree spirit of youth. This realization prompts them to embark on their first journey together to Thailand after 24 years of acquaintance, triggering a series of hilarious yet deeply meaningful events.

The Humor and Hidden Depth

The film’s greatest strength lies in director Nam Dae Joong’s ability to seamlessly blend laughter with profound life insights. Every comedic beat is tied to the unique personality of each character, naturally leading to deeper emotional conflicts.

While the character archetypes are somewhat familiar, the film’s opening meticulously charts the friends’ growth from high school to the present, allowing the audience to truly feel the changes, losses, and pressures that young adults often face.

• Tae Jung is the workaholic who sacrifices family time.

• Geum Bok is trapped between expectations and pressure.

• Yeon Min carries a musical dream but lives far from the group.

• Do Jin is unable to mature, mentally stuck in the past.

These differences create numerous tragicomic situations that make viewers laugh while also prompting reflection.

The Cast: The Soul of “The First Ride”

The appeal of “The First Ride” is elevated by the cast’s charming performances. Kang Ha Neul reaffirms his versatility in both comedic and emotional scenes. Cha Eun Woo successfully refreshes his image as the playful, sometimes goofy, yet emotional Yeon Min.

Kim Young Kwang and Kang Young Seok provide complementary energy to the group in their perfectly foolish “long-time best friends” roles. Despite being past their student days, all four actors deliver natural performances, especially in the flashback sequences, highlighting the genuine, long-standing bond between the characters.

Minor Flaw: An Abrupt Genre Shift

Though the narrative arc is generally well-rounded, the film has a minor drawback. The opening act feels somewhat protracted, dedicating significant time to character introductions. Following this, the movie unexpectedly veers into action and reveals two consecutive plot twists. While these twists are meaningful, they are resolved a bit too quickly, preventing the emotional impact from fully settling in. A more condensed opening and deeper exploration of the final act would have made the work more complete.

Box Office and Audience Reception

“The First Ride,” released in South Korea in late October 2025, quickly topped the box office, grossing over 100 billion VND (approximately $4 million) in just two weeks. It boasts an IMDb score of 8.5/10, indicating strong international audience appreciation, particularly for its balance of humor and emotion.

In Vietnam, the film’s release on November 20th was a perfect timing for groups of friends and families seeking a light-hearted, heartfelt movie.

“The First Ride” is an ideal choice if you are looking for a touching comedy centered on friendship and a journey of looking back at youth. It delivers easygoing laughter while reminding everyone to cherish the present and not postpone the important moments in life.