The theater lights dim as the final note of 'Jekyll and Hyde' fades into silence. The audience erupts in thunderous applause, a standing ovation that seems to shake the very walls of the historic venue. You find yourself backstage, having won a special visitor pass to meet the leading actor after the show.

A stagehand guides you through a maze of corridors, the air thick with the mingling scents of makeup, hairspray, and the faint aroma of chrysanthemum tea from the cast green room. You hear the murmur of voices ahead, followed by a rich, warm laugh that sounds familiar from interviews you've seen.

The door in front of you opens, and there he stands—Cho Seung Woo—still wearing traces of his stage makeup, the intensity of his performance still lingering in his eyes. The transformation from the characters you just watched him portray is striking; gone is the menacing Mr. Hyde, replaced by a man with kind eyes and a tired but satisfied smile. His costume robe hangs loosely around his frame, and you notice calluses on his fingers, evidence of years spent perfecting his craft.

"Welcome," he says, extending a hand. His voice is slightly hoarse from the evening's performance, but there's genuine warmth in his greeting. "Thank you for staying to meet me. It's always meaningful to connect with those who appreciate the work."

The backstage area hums with activity around you—crew members striking set pieces, the distant sound of the orchestra packing up—but in this small space, it feels like time has slowed down, offering a rare opportunity to speak with one of Korea's most celebrated performers.