Cast of Thai BL hit series ‘KPTS’ excited to meet PH fans tomorrow

The “KinnPorsche” cast on tour

While many BL (boys love) shows revolve around coming-of-age narratives young love or campus romances, “KinnPorsche: The Series” (KPTS)—the new drama sensation from Thailand—veers away from the formula.

Based on the writing duo Daemi’s web novel of the same title, “KPTS” is an action drama set in a mafia underworld. Kinn (Mile Phakphum Romsaithong)—an heir to the Theerapanyakun crime family—recruits the bartender and martial arts fighter named Porsche (Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat) to be his bodyguard, after inadvertently saving him from a business deal gone awry. Eventually, they fall in love.

The cast of “KinnPorsche: The Series”

The series may be categorized as an action-romance drama, but it also incorporates elements of comedy and mystery. There are violence and sex—and “KPTS” present them unapologetically. But perhaps this drama’s most striking difference is that it isn’t about sexual awakening or acceptance per se. The characters’ preferences are simply part of who they are.

Bible Wichapas Sumettikul, who plays Kinn’s cousin and rival within the syndicate, is well aware that BL has become a genre in itself. But he doesn’t want to put the show in boxes.

“These are love stories at its core … about humans loving other humans. If there are stories out there—no matter the genre—where the two main characters happen to be male, then that’s completely fine, as long as their motivations are clear,” Bible told the Inquirer in a recent group interview arranged by Live Nation Philippines.

“There’s no need to define it by gender or preference. It’s just about humans who have wants and needs, and how they fill those in with love. All humans need love—we’re all social creatures,” pointed out Build Jakapan Puttha, who plays Vegas, the head bodyguard who mentors Porsche in his new job. He also becomes a romantic interest for Vegas.While Bible, 24, and Build, 28, play supporting roles, their characters’ complicated dynamic has earned them their own devoted “shippers.”

Bible Wichapas Sumettikul (left) and Build Jakapan Puttha

‘Love is love’

Asked if he thinks “KPTS” will help inspire more variety within the BL sphere, Bible said: “For me, good series aren’t just about the plot, but also the characters. So, if they have good, complex characters, it doesn’t matter if they’re male, female or everything in—love is love.”

“And I feel like if other productions take inspiration from our series, then that’s great and wonderful because more stories that have representation and complex characters will always be interesting,” he added.

Bible / Wichapas Sumettikul

This is one of the reasons “KPTS” became a hit across different countries. The show has immensely grown in popularity since it first aired last April—so much so that its production company Be On Cloud launched a concert tour, which includes a stop in Manila tomorrow at the Mall of Asia Arena. (Visit www.smtickets.com)

It’s going to be Bible and Build’s first time in the Philippines, and they couldn’t be more excited to visit the country with the rest of the show’s cast.

“You can expect a little bit of everything. If you have seen our series, it’s going to be just like that—action, comedy and romance here and there. And some spice … to turn the heat up a little bit … There’s a bit of everything for everybody,” said Bible, who hopes to see the beaches of Cebu and Palawan if given the chance.

Build / Jakapan Puttha

“The show, like the series, will be jam-packed,” Build added. “It’s going to be fun. Our goal is to just do our best and give you the best show possible.”

Excerpts from the interview:

Were you surprised with “KinnPorsche’s” success, especially since the show gave some of you your first big role?

Bible: It’ actually my first acting role, period—whether extra, lead or support. It’s definitely a big surprise for me. I definitely didn’t expect any of this. I just wanted to do a good job and take the opportunity I had. It can get overwhelming at times but I’m still trying to live in the moment and take it step by step.

Build: I just live in the moment and try to absorb all the love and support the people and fans give us. I try to hold onto that for as long as we can.

How are you dealing with your newfound fame?

Bible: We both get recognized more often than we used to. Well before we didn’t get recognized at all! It can be overwhelming. Because I’m an introvert, I don’t really go out much so it hasn’t affected my daily life that much. But when I go to places where we encourage fans to go meet us, it boosts my energy so much to see people who support us.

Build: In the fall, the leaves fall down. And in the spring, the tree grows new leaves. I’m still the same person, but I would say an evolved version. I always try to remember where I came from and never forget the path that I walked down. I want to stay humble.

What do you enjoy most about doing the show?

Bible: The process of making the series. I’m someone who enjoys going to the set, even if the shooting schedule is very hard. We would have to wake up at 4 or 5 a.m. and then work until midnight, but it’s so fun on the set because everyone’s working on the same goal and making the best product possible. That goes for the production team. I feel like being part of the team is very rewarding.

Build: Everyone in the team has families to go back to—spouses, kids … —so I try to do my part as best as I can, so the shoot can run smoothly.

What were some of the lessons you learned while doing the show?

Bible: There are too may count. We have a hectic schedule, so we had to ask ourselves the reason we’re doing this. And for me, the biggest lesson is work ethic. I learned that from observing people around me. Everyone was just so professional, especially the head of our team. Whatever hand trickles down to us. We can see how things are operated. And that makes me feel like I have to step up.

Build: I learned from people around me skills that can be applied in work and life … You have to be prepared to do the work. Being prepared is something that’s always important to do the job.

Why do you think the show resonated with people from all over the world?

Bible: At its core, it’s just a very human story. It’s a simple story about the wants and needs of the characters. It’s relatable. It’s set in a grandiose world of mafia with powerful families. But at its core, it’s just about what Porsche wants, what Kinn wants, what Vegas wants … They all have wants and needs like everyone else. They want to be loved and be accepted. And I hope we were able to share the story in a package or in a way they can relate and be entertained by. I think that’s why a lot of people resonated with our series.

Can you tell us about the chemistry with your costars?

Bible: To be a good partner, there has to be give and take. Build is a great partner because he has a similar work ethic. We both work hard. If he didn’t pull his weight, then there would be tension at work and we couldn’t have a good relationship outside of work either. He’s a good colleague and a good friend.

But what’s special about the both of us is that when it’s time to work, we go into work mode. And when we relax, we can just play and goof around as much as we want. That’s why it’s great to have partners who have similar views on work.

What’s your message to your Filipino fans?

Bible: Thank you for supporting us. It’s almost unbelievable to have fans in different countries. Fans from the Philippines have always been so supportive and vocal online. It’s nice to read all the comments. I’m very excited to see all of you in person. It’s an honor to come visit your country and do this show for you. I know we will have a great time together.

Build: Thank you very much from all my heart. Thank you for supporting me, supporting us. If I have the opportunity to give the love back, I will give all of my heart to you.