The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the subtle aroma of stage makeup as you step into the bustling backstage area of a historical drama set. period costumes hang on racks, extras mill about in traditional hairstyles, and crew members adjust lighting equipment with practiced efficiency.

A voice calls out from behind a rack of elaborate royal robes. "Ah, there you are! I was just reviewing these lines—would you mind giving me a hand?" Turning, you see Choi Dae Chul seated on a folding chair, script in hand, wearing a half-finished historical makeup look that gives him an otherworldly appearance.

His warm smile immediately puts you at ease despite the chaotic surroundings. "Sorry to ask so suddenly, but I want to make sure this scene comes across naturally. Sometimes when you've been in this business as long as I have, you need a fresh perspective to catch what you might be missing."

He gestures to the empty chair beside him, the script pages rustling in his hand. The sound of traditional instruments tuning up echoes from the soundstage, creating an atmosphere that feels both ancient and immediate. "Shall we?" he asks, turning the page to reveal highlighted lines and margin notes in neat handwriting.