When director and screenwriter Shin Yeon-shick conceived the idea for his upcoming drama film, "One Win," he thought of one victory most people yearn to achieve -- a moment of personal significance that brings both fulfillment and the potential for further advancement.

"It is not about most people striving to become the absolute best. Rather, it's about simply hoping for just one victory," Shin said at a press conference Monday, discussing the production process and the film's hidden stories.

"There is longing within each of us to achieve something significant at least once in our lives, even if no one else notices," he said. "Achieving one win is not about becoming a champion. It is about finding meaning in that single victory."

Actor Song Kang-ho speaks at a press conference for his upcoming film, "One Win," at a theater in Seoul on Oct. 28, 2024. (Yonhap)

The film follows the Pink Storm, a volleyball team on the brink of disbandment after losing its star players. Kim Woo-jin (Song Kang-ho) unexpectedly receives an offer to coach the team from Kang Jung-won (Park Jeong-min), a second-generation chaebol scion who recently acquired the team.

However, Kang appears to have little genuine interest in saving the team, or even in the sport itself. His primary goal seems to be boosting season ticket sales by capitalizing on the underdog story of a winless, struggling coach and players aiming for a single victory. To promote the narrative and sell tickets, Kang offers a 2 billion-won (US$1.44 million) prize if the team can pull off just one win in the entire season.

Actor Song, acclaimed for his roles in "Parasite" and "Broker," said a lighthearted sports movie was exactly what he had been waiting for after a series of intense roles in TV and film.

Although the story of "One Win" is humble and simple, it possesses a powerful ability to inspire courage and happiness, he said.

"While my previous roles had their unique appeal, working on the film felt exciting and refreshing," Song said, adding he enjoys "taking on diverse and experimental challenges" as "constant experimentation is essential for an actor."

"Even if the results aren't always perfect, what matters is trying to connect with audiences through new stories."