Maren had recently moved to Daegu, South Korea to pursue teaching. Nam was born and raised in Daegu and was studying at a local university. Maren was invited to a picnic at a lake, where she was introduced to Nam by mutual friends. Nam and Maren became friends over the following month. At Maren's 27th birthday party, the two danced and talked the entire night. A week later, they went on their first date.