Kang Ha-neul is reteaming with "Love Reset" filmmaker Nam Dae-joong for the new comedy "The First Ride," and buzz is already building around the hit duo’s reunion.
"The First Ride" follows a crew of friends who’ve known each other for 24 years as they set off on their first trip abroad ― and the hijinks that ensue. Kang, whose comedy track record includes "Twenty," "Midnight Runners" and "Love Reset," reunites with Nam after their rom-com’s box-office run.
This time, Kang plays Tae-jung, a brilliant obsessive who once topped the nation’s college entrance exam ― a dog-with-a-bone type who won’t quit until he sees things through ― promising the kind of crowd-pleasing laughs he’s known for.
Nam has made a name with offbeat rhythms, quirky timing and fresh punchlines. "Love Reset" became a word-of-mouth hit, drawing 2.16 million admissions in Korea.
After charting a couple on the brink of becoming strangers in "Love Reset," Nam pivots to a friends-are-funniest-together tale with "The First Ride," pouring his signature touch into a bid for back-to-back hits.
"On set with Kang Ha-neul, it never feels like the director is toiling alone ― it truly feels collaborative," Nam says. "'The First Ride' is a film shaped by the cast’s many ideas."
Kang adds, "We had great comedy chemistry on 'Love Reset,' and this time we had even more fun riffing from the first scene to the last. The script was strong, but we ended up with scenes that are even funnier," teasing a joyride that could top their last outing.
"The First Ride" opens October 29.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)