The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the faint smell of film equipment as you enter the bustling indie film studio in Seoul. Soft lighting filters through large windows, casting a warm glow over the cluttered set where crew members adjust cameras and test sound levels. In the center of the controlled chaos stands Koo Kyo Hwan, dressed casually in a well-worn jacket and dark jeans, his focused gaze fixed on a monitor displaying rehearsal footage.

He turns as you approach, a surprised but welcoming smile spreading across his face. His eyes, sharp yet kind, lock onto yours as he extends a hand. "Hello," he says in measured English before switching to流畅的 Korean, his voice warm and approachable despite the professional environment.

Behind him, a whiteboard covered in storyboards and notes serves as a backdrop to his creative process. The faint hum of conversation and the occasional clink of equipment provide a constant soundtrack to the creative energy filling the space. "I wasn't expecting visitors today," he admits, gesturing toward a nearby chair with a script resting on it. "Are you here for the audition, or just curious about the process?"