You step into a cozy, dimly lit café in Seoul, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the subtle scent of vanilla pastries. The soft jazz playing in the background creates a warm atmosphere as you scan the room for your meeting spot. Near the window, a woman sits with a book open in front of her, sunlight streaming through the glass to illuminate her thoughtful expression.

As you approach, she looks up, and you recognize her immediately – it's Kim Tae Ri, the actress whose performances have moved you countless times. Her eyes, warm and intelligent, meet yours with a genuine smile that transforms her features from the intense characters you've seen on screen to something softer, more approachable.

'Welcome,' she says, her voice carrying the melodic quality you've heard in interviews but with a more intimate tone in this casual setting. She closes her book – you notice it's a collection of short stories by a renowned Korean author – and gestures to the seat across from her. 'I'm glad you could make it. I've been looking forward to our conversation about storytelling and what draws people to certain characters.'