“…As I stepped onto the set for the April issue of #legend_th, the first thing that caught my attention was not the instructions of the production team, but the cheers and laughter echoing across the studio. All eyes were on Archen ‘Joong’ Aydin, who was effortlessly enjoying himself, playfully striking cheeky poses in front of the camera, transforming the space into a stage of his own rhythm and energy.

When the sound of the shutter finally faded, we had the chance to sit down with this young actor from GMMTV, whose distinct character and lively gaze speak volumes, to discuss his perspective on work, self-development, and one question he truly wishes someone would ask him…”

Joong began this year with a wider range of projects, including the recently concluded action drama Dare You To Death and his upcoming series Loveless Heroine, marking his first-ever period drama.

“This year, I’ve just wrapped Dare You To Death with GMMTV, it’s now available on Netflix. I’m also filming an external project called Loveless Heroine Series, where I play ‘Plew Kham’. It’s my first period drama. I’ve always told myself that one day I wanted to take on something more challenging, as my previous roles weren’t particularly complex. This year, it feels like that wish has come true. Period acting is very difficult for me, especially the language. The dialogue is quite formal, like ‘I do not wish to think that I…’ or ‘Are you well?’. I have to speak in archaic language all the time. Eventually, everyone on set started speaking the same way, which helped us stay in character and made it easier to immerse ourselves in the roles.”

This charismatic all-rounder, now 25, stands at an age many consider a turning point. Yet he views it with remarkable simplicity.

“Honestly, I still feel like I’m 20, it feels like I just stepped into my twenties yesterday. But now it’s a 25 that I’m very proud of. I’ve done so much, both concerts, fan meetings, series, fashion weeks, magazine covers. At the same time, I’ve been able to take care of myself and support my family, helping them live better lives. For me, it’s a very fulfilling 25.”

For Joong, success extends beyond his career, it lies in a life gradually finding balance. When he speaks of his family, his tone is calm yet unmistakably grounded in sincerity, as they remain one of his greatest motivations, alongside a relationship with his fans continues to flourish. 

“My fans are all over the world. For my previous birthday, there was a billboard project in Times Square. Even though we’ve never met, they still did that for me, it’s incredible. My birthday event was held in a shopping centre quite far away, so I was worried about their travel and safety, as many had to come a long distance. But they still came. I was genuinely very touched.”

Throughout his career, Joong has taken on a variety of roles. Two characters, in particular, remain close to his heart, one for the creative freedom it offered, and another for shaping who he is today.

“My favourite character would be Fadel from The Heart Killers. He’s an assassin with so many layers inside the character, so I can play him in many different ways. I’m not commenting on my own acting, but that’s something people have mentioned on social media. If it’s not about the role itself, I’d say ‘Khabkluen’ in Star & Sky: Star In My Mind Series. That character means a lot to me, it’s the genuine first step that brought fans together and made people recognise me, widely as in this day.”

Despite being a public figure, Joong sees himself as no different from anyone else, simply someone who must carry greater responsibility under the public eye.

“I try to live as normally as possible. Acting and being an artist is just a profession. The difference is that people expect us to be like a ‘blank canvas,’ a role model for society. I do want to be that. I’m aware that many people are watching us, we’re constantly under the spotlight. So I have to be careful with my actions, my words, and how I carry myself. Society isn’t made up of just one age group, there are children who are learning and growing from what they consume. I try to learn from everything, sometimes I get it right, sometimes I don’t. When I fall, I get back up and keep going. I believe the world moves through trial and error. If you don’t try, the chances are zero. But if you do, at least it’s 50/50, or maybe even better.”

Read the full article in the April issue of #legend_th