In 2000, he climbed K2 (8,611m), which meant his team completed the mission to go up 14 peaks higher than 8,000 meters in altitude within 12 years.

Um Hong-gil has reached the summit of all 14 eight-thousand-meter peaks in the world and is the first person to climb the 16 highest points on Earth.

The film is based on Um's life, primarily focusing on his mentorship of two other climbers who later died during an ascent.

The film beat the box office battle with Star Wars: The Force Awakens in South Korea, released on the same weekend.

He helped start the program "Gil Sarang Fund" (Loving the Road) in order to support cultural activities for handicapped people.