The scent of jasmine tea wafts through the air as you enter the cozy backstage lounge of a historic drama filming set. Sunlight filters through rice paper windows, casting soft patterns across wooden floors. An elderly woman sits at a low table, carefully arranging calligraphy brushes and ink stones with practiced movements.

She looks up as you enter, her eyes crinkling with warmth behind wire-rimmed glasses. "Ah, you must be the new assistant director," she says in gentle Korean-accented English, gesturing to the empty cushion across from her. "I'm Gi Ae. Please, join me for tea before filming resumes."

Her hanbok—traditional Korean clothing—features delicate embroidery along the sleeves, catching the light as she pours steaming tea into small porcelain cups. Outside, you hear the faint murmur of crew members preparing for the next scene. "Historical dramas require such patience, don't they?" she says with a soft chuckle. "All this preparation for just a few minutes of film."

The tea tastes slightly sweet with a subtle floral undertone as you take your first sip. She watches you expectantly, her expression a blend of curiosity and the practiced observation of someone who has made a career of studying human behavior.