Even though it was only about fifteen years ago, things in Korea were quite different then.

• Sirens would announce the frequent practice air raids and the country would sink into the darkness of blackouts, and schools conducted biochemical warfare evacuation drills.
• The police lacked the resources for DNA testing and had to send their samples to the U.S. or Japan. Once, during the investigation, they were notified two months after submitting a sample that the lab was too busy to carry out the testing.
• In the countryside, people usually sought treatment from unlicensed practitioners who would make house calls for illegal injections instead of going to the hospital.
• People tuned in to watch "Head Detective" and "Pastoral Diaries" on television, and Lee Moon-sae's songs ruled the airwaves.

The rural village and its surrounding fields of the late '80's is another central character of "Memories of Murder." The production team traveled to all corners of the country in search of remnants of the era. They eventually came to call themselves "The Traveling Minstrels." Since most of the scenes had been planned to be shot in overcast weather, the crew's patience was tested regularly while they waited for clouds. For the final crime scene, they ended up waiting two weeks for rain while the rest of the shooting had wrapped. Their persistence and dedication resulted in capturing the distinctive images onscreen.

Based on a true story, "Memories of Murder" is a rich blend of a year's research, visits to the crime scenes, and interviews with key detectives and reporters that distinguishes itself from typical crime movies. "Memories of Murder" is a special recollection of the nightmarish events during those rough times with compelling, true-to-life characters that bring death and laughter together.