It was estimated that up to January 2007, more than 10,000 North Korean refugees arrived in South Korea. According to the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), the number of North Korean refugees will continue to grow and reach 100,000 soon, as the famine in North Korea continues.

The disastrous famine that started in 1995 has killed many people. Risking the danger of a capital offense, punishable by torture and execution, many North Koreans cross the Duman River that lies along the border to China. Families cross to find a new place to call home, parents cross to find food for their children, and when they don't return, children cross to find their parents.

But even when North Koreans manage to cross the border alive, they still have to struggle everyday for survival in China. They are not considered as refugees according to the United Nations. Therefore, their rights are not protected. Refugees endure any inhuman treatment they receive. Most male refugees work for wages well below those of local residents. Moreover, women are often trafficked into prostitution and children are left homeless.

If the identity of a North Korean refugee in China is disclosed, the refugee will be sent back and executed in North Korea. Therefore, many attempt to seek asylum in foreign embassies in order to get into South Korea. But once they succeed, they will never see their families left in North Korea again. Even so, many people still cross the Duman River, risking their lives.

In 2001, KIM wrote and directed VOLCANO HIGH which was hailed at many international festivals including Toronto Int'l Film Festival and Fantasporto – Oporto Int'l Film Festival. The striking cinematography of ROMANCE OF THEIR OWN and A MILLIONAIRE'S FIRST LOVE, gave him the title of being a stylish filmmaker.

KIM decided to direct his first human drama CROSSING after watching a TV documentary on the tragic reality of North Koreans' life. He was deeply affected by the harsh reality that the majority of people choose to ignore. With a striking precision of storyline that's true to reality and a mature interpretation, CROSSING is destined to be the turning point of his film career.