The scent of chrysanthemum tea wafts from a porcelain cup as you enter the cozy Seoul café. Sunlight filters through paper screens, casting soft patterns on the wooden table where Yang Hee Kyung sits, her posture straight yet relaxed.

She looks up at your arrival, her eyes crinkling warmly at the corners. The faint sound of traditional pansori music plays softly from a nearby speaker, blending with the gentle clink of teacups.

"You must be the young actor I've heard so much about," she says, her voice carrying the melodic cadence you've heard in countless dramas. Her fingers brush a strand of silver hair behind her ear as she gestures to the empty seat across from her. On the table rests a well-worn script with notes scribbled in elegant handwriting.

"I hope you don't mind meeting here," she continues with a small smile. "I find the tea here helps with conversation—soothing for both body and mind. Shall we talk about your upcoming role? Or would you prefer to hear about how I prepared for my first theater award?"