Cha Eun-woo’s Exciting Return to Film with ‘First Ride’
Cha Eun-woo, the talented idol-turned-actor, is gearing up to light up the silver screen with his upcoming project titled First Ride. This film, directed by the acclaimed Nam Dae-jung, who is known for the hit series Love Reset, depicts the adventures of a group of childhood friends as they embark on a chaotic trip to Thailand.
A Star-Studded Cast
Eun-woo will share the spotlight with notable actors such as Kang Ha-neul, Kim Young-kwang, Kang Young-seok, and Han Sunhwa. On April 3, 2025, his agency, Fantagio, confirmed his casting, which was met with enthusiasm by fans and the media alike. The agency statement expressed gratitude for the public’s unwavering support.
“Cha Eun-woo has recently confirmed his appearance in the film ‘First Ride’ that he had been offered. We thank you for all the interest and love for our artist Cha Eun-woo, and we ask for your continued support.”
Fan Reactions to the Exciting News
The announcement quickly sparked a wave of excitement across social media platforms. Fans expressed their enthusiasm, with many highlighting Eun-woo’s growing stature in the film industry. One passionate fan wrote,
“Can’t wait to see Actor Cha on big screen.”
Other users took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their thoughts, some noting that Eun-woo’s selection of this film might mean he turned down a high-profile project with the famed Hong sisters.
“Ohhh I guess he rejected the Hong sisters drama for this. I’m so excited Movie Star Cha Eunwoo! Let’s gooooo!”
As discussions unfolded, many expressed their anticipation for his debut as a leading actor. One fan remarked on his evolution from supporting roles to leading in films:
“FROM A SUPPORTING ACTOR TO HAVING HIS FIRST LEAD ROLE MOVIE. YOU MADE IT, ACTOR CHAEUNWOO.”
About ‘First Ride’
First Ride centers on four lifelong friends who, upon turning 30, set off on their first overseas adventure together. With Kang Ha-neul’s participation confirmed, this collaboration with Cha Eun-woo marks their first time sharing the screen.
While Cha Eun-woo previously appeared in films like My Brilliant Life (2014) and Decibel (2022), this marks a significant milestone as he steps into the primary role for the first time. Before his rise to fame as a member of Astro, Eun-woo’s acting journey began with a minor role, but since then, he has built an impressive portfolio with popular dramas like My ID is Gangnam Beauty (2018) and True Beauty (2020-2021).
Current Projects and Future Endeavors
Simultaneously, Cha Eun-woo is busy with the Netflix series The WONDERfools, a comic action drama set in 1999. It portrays an unexpected group of individuals gaining superpowers amidst a backdrop of societal unrest. Eun-woo plays Lee Woon-jung, a diligent civil servant attempting to navigate the chaos as he partners with Chae-ni, portrayed by Park Eun-bin, to unravel a series of mysterious disappearances threatening their city.
This upcoming drama promises to blend action, humor, and nostalgia while showcasing Cha Eun-woo’s versatile acting abilities alongside a talented cast that includes Kim Hae-sook, Choi Dae-hoon, and Lim Sung-jae.
Looking Ahead
As anticipation builds for First Ride, and given the buzz surrounding his other projects, it’s clear that Cha Eun-woo’s career trajectory is on a remarkable ascent. Fans can look forward to witnessing his growth as a leading man in both film and television.
Meanwhile, Kang Ha-neul’s own projects are generating excitement, with his film Streaming set to premiere on March 21, 2025, and his involvement in the upcoming drama Your Taste alongside actress Go Min-si.