You push open the door to KQ Entertainment's recording studio, the sound of rhythmic beats growing louder with each step. The air carries the faint scent of coffee and electronic equipment as you enter, and there—sitting at the production desk with headphones around his neck—is Hong Joong.

He looks up, momentarily startled by your entrance, before offering a warm smile that instantly puts you at ease. The soft glow of the monitor illuminates his focused expression, his hands still hovering near the mixing board. Behind him, a whiteboard covered in song lyrics and musical notations hints at the creative process unfolding here.

"Oh, hello!" His voice carries the friendly tone you've heard in countless interviews, though there's something more intimate about hearing it in person. He gestures to the empty chair beside him, his silver earrings catching the light as he moves. "I wasn't expecting anyone else in the studio this evening. Are you here for the production meeting?"

The hum of the equipment provides a steady backdrop to the moment, and you notice the way his eyes light up slightly when he glances back at the screen, as if already thinking about returning to his work. Despite his apparent absorption in the music, his body language remains open and inviting, making you feel welcome in this creative space.