European fans had another chance to meet Joong and Dunk in Rome, where the beloved thai duo returned for their second fanmeeting. They showed once again why their chemistry has captured the hearts of fans around the world, and we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to interview them.
The last weekend of September brought a special kind of excitement to the Eternal City. The Hilton Rome Airport Hotel once again opened its doors to well-known Thai BL pairings and fans who had travelled from across Europe to meet their favorite actors. None of this would have been possible without the dedication of the Jus in Bello team, who continue to create opportunities for audiences and artists to come together, connect and turn their shared passion into real-life experiences.
Among the three pairings attending the event were Joong Archen Aydin and Dunk Natachai Boonprasert. JoongDunk are known for their chaotic energy, natural chemistry and effortless dynamic both on and off screen. Their second fanmeeting in Rome was a perfect reflection of that chemistry. The duo filled the room with their playful energy, spontaneous jokes, games and plenty of memorable moments, including their matching outfits.
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We were fortunate enough to sit down with Joong and Dunk for an exclusive interview, where they opened up about their journey together, the characters they have portrayed, the scenes that still challenge them and how they recharge after their busy schedules. We would like to sincerely thank Joong and Dunk, GMMTV and the Jus in Bello team for giving us this opportunity.
Without further ado, let’s hear from Joong and Dunk themselves.
You’ve explored many different genres, from the sweet school romance of Star in My Mind, to the enemies-to-lovers dynamic in The Heart Killers, and the action-packed crime story in Dare You to Death. Which character has felt the closest to your real personality, and why?
Joong: All three characters are quite different from me in many ways. I think the one thing they have in common with me is that I have played a student before, in Star in My Mind. Other than that, their personalities and experiences are quite far from my own, so it has been interesting to explore each of them and step into their worlds.
Dunk: Honestly, none of the characters I’ve played are exactly like me. There may be certain aspects that I can relate to, but right now, I’d say Kamin is the character who is most similar to me. He tends to think things through step by step, with reasons and principles behind his decisions. I think that’s quite similar to the way I approach things in real life.
As actors, is there still a particular emotion or type of scene that challenges you the most? How do you usually prepare yourself for those moments?
Joong: For emotional scenes, especially long takes, preparation is very important. I have to know my lines really well and make sure I’m fully focused before stepping onto the set. I also try to clear my mind and concentrate on the emotions of the character so that I can stay in the moment throughout the scene.
Dunk: I’d say the action scenes, because I haven’t had many opportunities to do them before. I haven’t really done a lot of fighting or choreography involving punches and kicks, so I’d like to spend more time in workshops and train for that. I also feel that action scenes require a lot of trust between the actors, especially when you’re working closely with someone else. I’d really like to explore that, and I think these scenes require quite a lot of preparation to make them look convincing and safe.
This year, you reached a huge milestone with your first sold-out Fancon in Bangkok. Now that you’ve achieved something so significant, what’s the next goal you’re working towards? Is there another dream that’s still waiting to be checked off your bucket list?
Joong: I’d love to try touring with a JASPER concert someday.
Dunk: I’d like to try working on a movie or series with a completely new on-screen chemistry. I want to explore more diverse roles and challenge myself with different types of characters. I’d also really like to try acting in a film and experience a different style of storytelling.
Even though fans often see you together, you both have plenty going on individually as well. Joong, you’re a member of JASP.ER, and Dunk, you’re running your bakery, Navori. With such busy schedules, how do you usually unwind and recharge?
Joong: When I have time to rest, I think getting enough sleep is really important. I also like going somewhere surrounded by nature, such as the mountains or the sea. It gives me a chance to disconnect from social media for a while and have a little social detox.
Dunk: For me, it’s definitely cooking. I enjoy trying new recipes and tasting different things. Cooking has so many steps before you finally get the finished dish, and I really enjoy the whole process of experimenting, making adjustments, and seeing the final result come together.
Fans often talk about your natural chemistry on and off screen. What’s something small the other person does that quietly makes your day better?
Joong: For me, as long as the people I care about get to do what they love, that’s already something that makes me happy.
Dunk: I think it would probably be the days when I see him in a really good mood. Seeing him happy and enjoying himself makes me feel happy too. It’s always nice when we can share that kind of positive energy with each other.
To end on a lighter note before our final question… If you could swap lives with any fictional character, who would it be and why?
Joong: If I could choose one character to be for a day, I’d probably choose Khabkluen from Star in My Mind because he has everything he’s rich, handsome, and calm and composed.
Dunk: I’d like to try playing Khun Thee. I think it would be fun to explore his character and try doing a comedy role as well. I haven’t had many opportunities to play that kind of character, so it would be an interesting challenge for me.
You’re returning to Rome for the second time thanks to overwhelming demand from your European fans. How does it feel to know that you have such a dedicated fanbase here? Is there another European country or city you’d love to visit someday?
Joong: Coming back to Rome and seeing everyone again makes me incredibly happy. Even though we live so far apart, we’ve had the chance to meet once again, and I don’t know if or when we’ll have another opportunity to see each other. That’s why I feel very lucky every time we meet.
I never imagined that people from the other side of the world, who were once complete strangers to me, would come to support me this much. No matter how I try to give back, I don’t think it could ever be enough for all the love you’ve given me. I truly hope I’ll have the chance to come back and see everyone again. Thank you for always being there for me.
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Dunk: I always feel incredibly happy, honored, and touched whenever I get the chance to attend a fan meeting. I truly feel and appreciate all the love and support that everyone gives me. Thank you so much for supporting me this much. Traveling to meet fans in different countries always gives me so much positive energy, and I bring that energy back with me every time.
As for which countries I’d like to visit, honestly, I’d love to go everywhere! Ever since I was young, I’ve always dreamed of exploring different countries and experiencing their cultures for myself. I hope I’ll have the opportunity to visit as many places as possible.
Source: Interview with Joong Archen Aydin & Dunk Natachai Boonprasert, GMMTV, Jus in Bello
