Last weekend, fans of Thai actors Mile Phakphum, Apo Nattawin, Son Yuke, and Euro Yotsawat had the chance to attend a fan meet for their latest series, Shine The Series in Rome. It was their first and only stop in Europe, and we had the opportunity to interview them.
Fans from across Europe gathered for an unforgettable fan meet filled with special moments. Throughout the Roma fan meet, the actors shared how they liked Rome so far, spoke about the local food they tried and discussed the unique atmosphere of the capital city. They also opened up about the personal significance of Shine The Series, talked about their favorite characters, made us laugh with entertaining games, and even tried their Italian language skills. One of the highlights of the evening were the live performances of songs from the series’ soundtrack, making the experience even more memorable for everyone in attendance.
We were also fortunate enough to sit down with the actors for an exclusive interview and learn more about their journey with Shine The Series. We would like to sincerely thank the cast, as well as Be on Cloud and Jus in Bello, for giving us this opportunity.
The actors reflected on their approach to portraying their BL characters, a genre they were not very familiar with until they were cast in Shine The Series, talked about the hardest challenges they encountered during filming, and revealed what kind of roles they would like to try in the future. The series has resonated with audiences around the world, including many BL fans in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and we are excited to bring you their insights and experiences beyond what viewers have seen on screen.
Your incredible performances brought not only beautiful storytelling, but also sincerity, genuineness and warmth that your fans genuinely connected with. Many people have shared online how much the series meant to them (we are one of them, we can watch it forever, it is our comfy BL!). When you first read the script for the Shine, what was your very first emotional reaction to your character? When was the moment you told yourself, “I have to portray this character”?
Son: For me, I felt that the character Krailert is very multi-dimensional.He has beliefs and self-contradictions that I felt were challenging for me, combined with the character’s well-roundedness. But reading it for the first time, I felt Krailert was a real person; he had greed, fear, anger, and delusion, as well as goodness, which is exactly how real people are.Furthermore, transitioning to act in a BL series was challenging for me. I felt that if I was going to do it, it had to be a good script, and this script never made me doubt if I was right because I was right.
Euro: Thank you to the fans who like and feel connected to the character; I am very glad. When reading the script, I felt that our character is highly idealistic while also having an artistic temperament. The overall script is very fun, and the cast, other actors, and production made me really want to play this role.
The series is set in a historical, politically tense environment, where the love of the two main couples is forbidden, yet it beautifully develops against the backdrop of social conflict. Was there a particular scene that challenged you emotionally or physically more than you expected?
Son: It would probably be the first love scene because, in the scene, there was a part where we argued.We tried to convince the other party to stop lying to themselves and admit they liked us too, including having our first romantic moment.It’s probably like real life, where the first time is always the most challenging.
Euro: The challenging scene is the one where, uh, Naran has the chance to meet Krailert for the first time. I felt… just finding out that the person we wanted to meet is Krailert, who is someone we have disliked all along, brings emotional difficulty. There are various emotions clashing at the same time.
Did you think that a series with such a challenging story, rooted in one country’s history, could also achieve such a big success internationally?
Son: I never expected it, and this series is my most successful one. For my first project to become famous internationally like this, I consider myself lucky.
Euro: I am very happy to receive such great interest and positive feedback. Thank you to the fans both in Thailand and abroad.
How did all of you prepare to portray such a deep but turbulent relationships between each other on screen? What’s one most memorable thing you’ve learned about each other during this project?
Son: Euro and I did a lot of workshops together, familiarizing ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually as actors. For me, it was the love between the souls of Krailert and Naran that felt like it unlocked my acting.
Euro: This project took a lot of workshop and preparation time. P’Son is someone who is very dedicated to his work and devotes a lot to it. And also… getting in shape, fit and firm.
Is there a behind-the-scenes moment that fans would be surprised to hear about? And who tends to break character most often on set?
Son: I felt that every actor in this project took their acting very seriously. Most of my scenes involved stressful or complex scripts, and the actors I performed with saved their energy for the actual scenes, so there wasn’t much laughing.
Euro: This project is quite difficult and stressful for everyone, so there weren’t many playful moments. It was a super serious working environment.
When people watch Shine, what feelings or messages do you hope resonate with them?
Son: It would probably be from the lyrics of the song “Beyond the Clouds,” which say, “One day we got to love each other, which is more important than how it ends.”
Euro: I think the message of this story is that everyone has their own light, and I hope everyone will enjoy this series.
Shine The Series had a fan meet in Rome this May, and many European fans were excited to see all of you in person. For those who couldn’t attend fan meet in Thailand, this felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. How did you feel about meeting your European fans?
Son: I am glad to meet all the fans in Europe and feel grateful for the love they have for us. I never dreamed that my life could create such an impact, happiness, and encouragement for European people before. I am very happy to do this. Thank you for valuing and encouraging us.
Euro: I’m very excited to meet the fans in Rome (laughs).
Have you ever been to Rome before? If so, what did you like the most about the city? And if not, what are you most looking forward to experiencing there? More broadly, what are your impressions of Europe? Is there a country or place here that you would love to explore in the future?
Son: Actually, I came to Rome once when I was a kid but don’t remember much. Coming this time, I was amazed by everything. I really love the domes; it is a romantic and classic city. I like Roman architecture; it’s like stepping out of a movie we’ve watched. And of course, Europe is another continent I love, and I want to travel to see their art, culture, way of life, including natural locations as well.
Euro: I have never been to Rome, but I am very impressed with the city. The city is beautiful; it’s an old city that I have wanted to see for a long time, having only seen it on TV. Getting to see it with my own eyes, I felt really impressed. I got to walk around up close, went to various places, and there are so many places to visit, so I’m very impressed. The food too, the local food is delicious, including the wine — it’s very good.
If you were to make a Thai version of a world-famous story or movie, which one would it be and why?
Son: I think the plot of the series Shogun is interesting because Westerners also came to trade with the Thai authorities. There must have definitely been real romances between Westerners and Thai people in the past.
Euro: It would probably be Charlie Chaplin. If it were a Thai version, it would be fun because I like funny things. If there’s a chance to do what they call a remake, it would be fun.
You’re all such incredible actors—what are your plans for the future? Do you have any acting dreams or projects you’d love to do?
Son: I want to create works that elevate people’s thinking.I am interested in anything that makes people awaken, understand the world, and think more. I also like Fantasy Sci-Fi, or I like period films as well. I want to become a better actor and take on increasingly challenging roles.
Euro: I want to keep developing myself and have opportunities to do more diverse work. This includes… answering this interview too. I’m really bad at giving interviews (laughs), but I will try my best.
Source: Interview with Son Yuke & Euro Yotsawat, Be on Cloud, Jus in Bello
