'One Win' starring Song Kang Ho, Park Jung Min, and Jang Yoon Ju, to be released in December

On the afternoon of November 28, the press screening for the movie One Win was held at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul. The film One Win tells the story of a professional women's volleyball team with a coach who has never won, an owner who has no desire to win, and players who don’t know how to win—facing a challenge to secure a single victory. The movie, directed by Shin Yeon Sik and featuring stars like Song Kang Ho, Park Jung Min, and Jang Yoon Ju, will be hitting theaters this December.

Song Kang Ho plays Kim Woo Jin, a coach who fails every time he touches the court. Park Jung Min portrays Kang Jeong Won, an unpredictable club owner who promises a whopping 20 billion KRW (About 14,324,602 USD) prize if they win a game. Jang Yoon Ju stars as Bang Su Ji, a player who has persevered for 20 years on the bench and forms a unique chemistry with coach Song Kang Ho.

During the press conference, Director Shin Yeon Sik shared insights about the challenges of shooting a volleyball film, especially with the complex and technical aspects of the sport. "We had volleyball legends help us during training. We made sure to check technical aspects for the game scenes, trying to balance what could be realistically done with time and budget constraints,” explained Shin. He also emphasized the thematic tone of the movie, blending sports with human drama, focusing on survival instincts and the pursuit of recognition—ultimately highlighting the tragic and noble aspects of human nature through sports.

Shin also drew comparisons to the film Rocky, explaining his decision to deviate from a typical tournament-style sports movie. "I wanted to avoid a standard tournament structure. The idea of a coach’s journey and the way it ties into the larger narrative reminded me of Rocky. The inclusion of sports entertainment and references to Rocky were essential to the film," he shared.

The film also focuses on thrilling volleyball matches. Director Shin recounted how the filming team used advanced equipment to capture the intensity of the action. "We used six cameras on wire rigs to capture every angle of the match, and when one person faltered, we had to redo the shot from scratch. Fortunately, we got the first take right, and it was a huge relief,” he said.

A special cameo by volleyball star Kim Yeon Kyeong has also generated excitement. Director Shin mentioned that Kim’s participation was widely anticipated in the volleyball community. "She couldn’t shoot a lot of scenes due to her season schedule, but she really wanted to do more. She even joked about wanting a line of dialogue, but we were just happy to have her on set," Shin laughed.

Song Kang Ho, known as a volleyball fan, shared his admiration for the sport. “Volleyball is all about teamwork, and I find that fascinating. Unlike other sports, the beauty of volleyball lies in the teamwork, with the coach and players constantly communicating,” he said. He also reflected on how he admired his character’s approach during timeouts, watching coaches motivate their players with passion and leadership.

Park Jung Min spoke about his motivation to take on the role, explaining that the character resonated with his own experiences of striving for victory and the lessons learned from both wins and losses. “I’ve always been someone who focuses on the outcome of victories and defeats, and I felt this role would be a message of encouragement to those who feel like they’ve lost," Park said.

Director Shin’s decision to direct One Win was driven by his fascination with the themes of perseverance and resilience. “For me, the 1st win isn’t necessarily about victory itself, but about reclaiming the confidence and hope that had been lost. This film represents a personal journey of triumph that goes beyond the court.”

Song Kang Ho expressed his admiration for his co-stars, particularly Park Jung Min and Jang Yoon Ju. "I’ve been a fan of both for a long time. Park Jung Min brings his unique interpretation to every role he plays, and Jang Yoon Ju is so versatile, constantly breaking through conventional molds. They’re both 'strange actors,' in the best sense, and their synergy brought out a unique energy in One Win," he said.

For Park Jung Min, working alongside Song Kang Ho was a dream come true. “From a young age, I looked up to Song Kang. Ho. I always wanted to be like him, and working with him was a valuable experience that I will treasure forever,” Park said. "Every moment with him was a lesson, and those lessons will stay with me for a long time."

Jang Yoon Ju, on the other hand, explained her choice to participate in the project after reading the revised script. “The script moved me emotionally, and when I learned that Song Kang Ho would be directing, I knew I had to be a part of it. I could feel the emotional depth of the story, and I wanted to contribute to telling that story," she explained.

In conclusion, One Win isn’t just a sports film; it’s a story about overcoming adversity, finding strength in one’s community, and rediscovering the value of small victories that lead to larger triumphs. The movie is set to inspire audiences with its heartwarming narrative, filled with moments of humor, camaraderie, and the spirit of never giving up.

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