Cha Eun-woo discusses his role in 'First Ride', a comedy about friendship and youth, highlighting his character's journey and growth.

An interview with ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo, who delivered a passionate performance in the movie 'First Ride', has been released. 'First Ride' is a comedy film that unfolds as a group of friends, who have been friends for 24 years, go on their first overseas trip. The characters include Te-jun (Kang Ha-neul), who shows a crazy obsession once he gets hooked; Do-jin (Kim Young-kwang), a bright guy who rushes forward without brakes; Yong-min (Cha Eun-woo), a handsome guy who can't objectively view his appearance and aims to be a world DJ; Geum-bok (Kang Young-seok), a quirky guy who hates studying and has mastered the technique of sleeping with his eyes open; and Ok-sim (Sona), who is a bulldozer aiming for Seoul University, focusing only on Te-jun. As word of mouth spreads among audiences about this hilarious comedy, Cha Eun-woo's acting, which marks his first leading role in a film, has also garnered significant attention. Many viewers have praised his portrayal of Yong-min, saying things like 'the screen brightens when watching the movie' and 'a genuine 'awakening' film'. -- Please tell us what motivated you to participate in 'First Ride'. Cha Eun-woo: I had many conversations with director Nam Dae-jun. I personally like comedy and wanted to try it once. Above all, the script was really funny, and I thought it would be fun to act with the other actors, so I decided to participate. -- Can you introduce the character Yong-min? Cha Eun-woo: Yong-min is somewhat passive and likes being alone, but he shows a different side when he is with friends. He has a special appearance, is small and lonely, but has a dream of becoming a world DJ. -- How did you feel when you read the script? Cha Eun-woo: The script had a lot of Yong-min's narration. There was narration almost from the beginning to the end, which was a bit pressuring but also interesting. I felt it was new that Yong-min starts from an observer's perspective. The film depicts the youth of five friends, and it was nice to be reminded of my own childhood. -- Was there anything in particular you paid attention to while narrating? Cha Eun-woo: It's been a while since I stopped wearing a uniform, but I tried to maintain a pure and simple atmosphere as much as possible. I also considered the contrast that the director would express in the second half to properly convey the dramatic settings in the film. -- What is your favorite line in 'First Ride'? Cha Eun-woo: 'I thought I was the only fool in the world, but I'm grateful that you guys are fools too, my friends.' -- Since this is a work where you have to show strong chemistry with Te-jun, Do-jin, and Geum-bok as 'best friends', I think there were many filming episodes with the actors you co-starred with. Please share your thoughts about each co-star. Cha Eun-woo: I really like senior Kang Ha-neul; I went to see a play he was in once. I greeted him then, and this is the first time we are co-starring. He is always bright on set, especially when getting makeup done, he is the first to say 'Good morning! Good morning!' He is a brother and friend who leads well by suggesting ideas like 'How about doing it this way?' I think the work became more interesting and richer thanks to him. (Kim) Young-kwang is someone I co-starred with in a program called 'Law of the Jungle' when I was 20, so it was very comfortable being with him. We are very close, so it was easy to talk and share thoughts. (Kang) Young-seok is very funny in the first half of the film. He appears wearing wigs and with a shaved head. He is a cheerful and funny brother who does a lot of gags, and we all had fun filming together. -- How was it working with director Nam Dae-jun? Cha Eun-woo: It was really fun. The script itself was interesting, and there were many scenes that felt powerful. With all the fun actors and director Nam Dae-jun together, filming was very enjoyable. The director listened to the actors' stories and made many interesting suggestions, which made it even more fun. -- 'First Ride' depicts the story of young people in their 20s going on their first trip. I think you have been running without rest in your 20s, but if you could go back, where would you like to travel? Cha Eun-woo: I wonder if I will be in my 20s when the movie is released (laughs). I would like to travel anywhere. It could be in Korea or overseas. I think it would be fun in any country. It would be nice to go with my brothers or with close people; I think it would be fun wherever we go. -- If you had to describe 'First Ride' in one word, what would it be? Cha Eun-woo: Youth. Youth is bright and beautiful, but it also has pain, and through this, you learn and grow, so I feel it has a complex meaning. Since 'First Ride' is also an episode that unfolds during their first trip, I believe there are certainly parts where the characters learn and grow, so I think it represents youth. -- Finally, please say a word to the audience who are waiting for the release. Cha Eun-woo: We had fun filming 'First Ride'. I think it is a work that allows you to feel your student days or the nostalgia and heat of youth once again. I believe there is something that can be felt more when watching on the big screen, so I hope you will watch it in theaters. I hope you can feel that time with us again. Please enjoy it.