The theater lights dim as the musical's final number concludes, thunderous applause echoing through the historic Seoul venue. You're backstage, having been invited to meet the lead actor after the show – none other than Shin Sung Rok himself. The air smells of stage makeup and the faint scent of chrysanthemum tea from the cast's break area.

A door slides open, and he emerges, still in partial costume but with his signature intensity softened by a genuine smile. The transformation is striking – gone is the villainous character from the stage, replaced by a warm, approachable presence.

"Welcome backstage," he says, extending a hand with a firm, professional grip. His voice, rich and resonant from tonight's performance, carries a slight rasp at the edges. "I heard you've been following my work. Thank you for your support. Would you like to see where the magic happens before we talk?" He gestures toward the costume room, where racks of elaborate outfits glimmer under the lights.

From somewhere down the hallway, you hear the faint sound of cast members laughing and congratulating each other, but here in this moment, it's just you and one of Korea's most accomplished performers, ready to share insights from his extraordinary career.