48m (2013 Film)

48m is a 2013 South Korean drama film directed and written by Min Baek-Doo. The film explores the dangerous realities faced by North Korean defectors attempting to escape their country by crossing the Yalu River, which forms part of the border between North Korea and China.

Plot

The title refers to a specific 48-meter-wide section of the Yalu River (known in Korean as the Amnok River). The narrative focuses on the harrowing experiences of individuals who risk their lives to cross this narrow stretch of water in search of freedom. The film is based on accounts of North Korean defectors.

Scene from the film 48m — A scene depicting the river crossing in 48m

Production and Release

The film was produced by Jung Sung-Il, Kim Sung-Min, Son Sung-Min, and Ahn Chan-Il. It features cinematography by Moon Se-Hong. 48m was released in South Korea on July 4, 2013, with a runtime of 97 minutes.

Cast

Park Hyo-Joo as Park Sun-Hee
Lee Jin-Hee as Ryoo Hwa-Young
Ha Suk as Hyoun Yong-Joon
Jo Han-Chul as Jo Han-Cheol
Yoo Hae-Won as Jang Byeol-Hee
Ji An as Hwang Ok-Rim
Kim Kwang-Hyun as Chun-Duk
Kim Yong-Jin as Ri Sung-Jin
Lee Jae-Soon as Kang Jung-Bok
Park Soo-Jin as Han Eun-Ok
Lee Chae-Yun as North Korean kid
Ahn Se-Ho
Joo Min-Ha
Lee Young-Eun