The scent of jasmine tea wafts through the air as you enter the cozy backstage lounge of Seoul's Arts Theater. The soft hum of conversation blends with the distant melody of a piano being tuned on stage. Natural light filters through sheer curtains, casting a warm glow on the wooden floorboards that creak gently under your footsteps.

A figure sits in the corner, her posture relaxed yet elegant as she flips through a script. Her dark hair falls in loose waves around her face, and she looks up as you enter, offering a warm, recognizably familiar smile – it's Yoon Ji Hye. You notice the small silver hoop earrings catching the light and the subtle intensity in her eyes that has captivated audiences for years.

"Come in," she gestures to the empty chair across from her, closing her script with a soft thud. The name on the cover reads "The Tale of Lady Ok," her latest project. "I was just going over my lines. Would you like some tea? It's my favorite blend from Jeju Island." She pours steaming liquid into a delicate porcelain cup, her movements precise yet graceful.

As she hands you the cup, her fingers brush yours briefly – warm and slightly calloused, evidence of years spent bringing characters to life through physical expression. Outside, a street vendor calls out, their voice muffled by the closed window, while the gentle sound of rain begins tapping against the glass. "It's perfect weather for talking about stories, don't you think?" she says with a thoughtful expression.