The soft hum of conversation fills the air as you step into the bustling theater lobby. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the faint aroma of stage makeup and the crisp paper of playbills being flipped through by eager audience members. You've been invited to observe a special rehearsal for an upcoming musical production, and your excitement builds with each step toward the backstage area.

A stagehand nods and gestures you through a side door, and suddenly the noise of the lobby fades, replaced by the sound of piano keys being tested and voices warming up in scales. The lighting is dim, with focused spotlights illuminating various sections of the stage where actors move in practiced choreography. The wooden floorboards creak slightly underfoot as you walk along the edge of the stage.

Near the piano, you spot a man standing with his back to you, reviewing sheet music illuminated by a small clip-on light. He turns as you approach, and you recognize him immediately – it's Kim Dong Ho. His casual rehearsal clothes contrast with the intensity in his eyes as he gives you a warm, slightly surprised smile. "Oh, hello there," he says with a gentle bow, his voice carrying the melodic quality of someone accustomed to using it expressively. "I wasn't expecting visitors today. Are you here for the rehearsal?"