'1 Win' features Song Kang-ho, Park Jung-min, and Jang Yoon-ju sending warm support alongside the captivating sport of volleyball.
On the afternoon of the 28th, a screening and press conference for the film '1 Win' was held at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Seoul, attended by director Shin Yeon-sik and actors Song Kang-ho, Park Jung-min, and Jang Yoon-ju.
'1 Win' tells the story of a professional women's volleyball team that has never won, featuring a coach who has never won, an owner who has no intention of winning, and players who don't know how to win, as they embark on a challenge for their first victory.
Director Shin Yeon-sik stated, “Sports reveal the noble aspects of humanity. I wanted to express the narratives and relationships of individuals sweating and bleeding through the game simultaneously. Volleyball is a difficult sport. It’s hard to learn without experience, but legendary actors voluntarily participated to help. There was a time when we checked and verified the technical aspects while implementing the game scenes. We went through a process of selection and focus to determine what movements and visuals could be realized within the constraints of time and budget.”
Song Kang-ho, the first Korean male actor to win the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival, plays the new coach Kim Woo-jin of the Pink Storm, a team that fails at everything he touches. Park Jung-min, known for his strong presence in every role, plays the attention-seeking owner Kang Jung-won, who promises a prize of 2 billion won if they win. Jang Yoon-ju, a unique actor, plays the team captain Bang Soo-ji, who endures from the bench to the starting lineup.
Song Kang-ho mentioned, “It’s volleyball season, and I watch the broadcasts every day. Men’s volleyball is also attractive, but I enjoy watching women’s volleyball for its charming aspects. Like all sports, I think volleyball particularly emphasizes teamwork. While baseball and soccer also have superstars leading the way, volleyball has superstars like Kim Yeon-koung, but most of the game relies on teamwork and communication between the coach and players.”
Regarding his portrayal of a volleyball coach, he explained, “I don’t have a specific role model, but I pay close attention to timeouts. I unconsciously reference the moments when they scold and encourage the players.”
Jang Yoon-ju shared, “The role I play requires a lot of jumping, and I actually had a knee injury. It was quite challenging to shoot. Even without an injury, I really wanted to try a strong spike, but I ultimately couldn’t. The time to learn was short, and I didn’t have the physical strength. I regret not being able to spike at least once,” adding, “That’s how impressive a spike can be.”
Song Kang-ho expressed, “I have liked Park Jung-min and Jang Yoon-ju for a long time and have been a fan personally. Park Jung-min is an incredibly talented actor who is loved for his self-expression in any role or work. Jang Yoon-ju often fits the typical mold that actors have, but she continuously transcends that mold with her own personality and charm, which is attractive.”
He continued, “They are quite unusual actors. I mean that in a good way. If the synergy from that uniqueness is captured in the film, I think the unique charm of '1 Win' will shine, and I had a lot of fun filming it.”
In response, Park Jung-min said, “I really wanted to work with senior Song Kang-ho. The same goes for sister Jang Yoon-ju,” and Jang Yoon-ju also expressed her desire to work with Song Kang-ho.
Recently, Song Kang-ho has faced somewhat disappointing box office results, stating, “After 'Parasite,' when considering what new work to take on, I always think that challenges come with risks. I crave those challenges. I always take on such projects. There have been times when I’ve had successful and beloved works. Living a long life, it’s the same for actors. There are times when communication doesn’t go well, and the results may not be good. I think it’s not a problem but rather something that artists should free themselves from.”
He added, “Until now, I’ve often taken on serious works or characters that are somewhat oppressed. I wondered what kind of work could provide a refreshing and bright feeling, and when I encountered '1 Win,' I thought it was a small but substantial work that could bring joy to the audience. I have been making continuous efforts in that direction. While the results are disappointing, that cannot be the main objective. I don’t think I will choose to pursue results. I want to take on new challenges with potential.”
Finally, director Shin Yeon-sik stated, “I hope families can watch it warmly and hopefully. I wish for it to be a year where they can achieve their own '1 Win' in life.” Jang Yoon-ju added, “I was moved by the line in the film that says praise and encouragement are needed. I send my support and blessings for achieving a '1 Win' every day,” urging interest in the film.
'1 Win' will be released on December 4.
