Boys' love dramas are one of Thailand's most popular entertainment exports, and KinnPorsche: The Series made stars out of its telegenic cast right off the bat. It started streaming in April 2022, and spawned an Asian tour with 16 actors that landed its first overseas gig in Singapore last October. Two of the supporting cast members, Bible Wichapas Sumettikul, 24, and Build Jakapan Puttha, 28, were back in town in November as guests of "Venture Beyond by Penfolds", an immersive, space exploration-themed brand experience showcasing the winemaker's 2022 collection. Harper's BAZAAR Singapore took the opportunity to catch up with the rising actors.
Like all adored stars of boys' love or BL dramas, Bible and Build's journey to stardom has been driven by fans whose support, in Bible's words, "means everything". He says, "I am honoured, thankful and shocked by the overwhelming support. I think it's because it's a completely new experience to me, and it has changed my life in every single way." Build affirms that the love of their fans continue to inspire them. "They mean a lot to us. Without them, I wouldn't be here. It encourages me to continue to develop myself," he adds.
The escapist storylines, high production values and attractive actors have made BL dramas an instant hit with audiences worldwide. BL dramas are seen by some as Thailand's soft power, doing for the country's image what K-pop has done for South Korea, thanks to its virality on social media that's helped it amass a massive global fandom. Months after the show ended its run, KinnPorsche continues to trend on TikTok and Twitter, with fans clamouring for a second season. Bible says he always had faith that the series would be a hit. "Perhaps I set the bar for its success too low. The reality became so much more than I ever could have imagined or even dared to hope for."
This story is from the January - February 2023 edition of Harper's BAZAAR Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January - February 2023 edition of Harper's BAZAAR Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
FASHION IS POWER
American author, filmmaker, psychologist and educator Roberta Degnore who teaches a world-first course called "The Psychology of Gender, Perception, and Self-Expression in Fashion" at New York's Fashion Institute of Technology argues that fashion is anything but frivolous.
The Italian Who Does It Better
After fifty years in fashion, Giorgio Armani—the man and the brand is still a force to be reckoned with.
Most Stylish Women 2024
Stylishness isn’t just about being fashionable. Instead, it’s a blend of self-assurance, passion and stories that makes the idea of style so multifaceted and rich. From a mother and daughter duo who approach dressing up with equal exuberance, to an entrepreneur championing the varied tales of batik to a singer-songwriter showing her chic chops with a walking stick, meet the 10 women who inspire us with their singular takes on personal style.
CITY ON HIGH
One city, 10 collaborators, 10 collections-Moncler lit up Shanghai with its City Of Genius showcase.
PRETTY NOVEL 172
Franck Muller presents its smallest skeleton movement to date in beautiful miniaturised novelties from the Round collection.
THE JOIE
Chopard's newest global brand ambassador Bella Hadid details her appreciation for the Maison and what she loves about its jewellery.
SOUL SEARCHING
In Rajasthan, India, a first-time visitor explores two stunningly singular Aman properties and experiences the raw and powerful beauty of the northwestern state.
INTO THE BLUE
With the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, the watchmaker is on a mission to safeguard our most precious resources, including the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area in Indonesia.
LIFE IN TRANSIT
Entrepreneur and creative multi-hyphenate Sherry Ang shares how her transitional home blends elegant simplicity with the vibrant chaos of family life.
YES,CHEFS!
BAZAAR talks to three of the hottest names in Singapore's culinary scene to get the hot, hard truths of the trade.
