< Previous5051 THE SPOTLIGHT Text by Chondarin Subarna Na Ayudhya Introducing the sensational Archen Aydin, aka Joong, a rising star making waves in the entertainment industry. Born in Thailand, raised in Turkey and now back in Thailand to conquer the stages, Joong is the epitome of charisma. With his striking looks, tall frame and dual talents in singing and acting, he’s been swiftly capturing hearts and amassing a dedicated fanbase. Always donning a beaming smile and radiating positive vibes, Joong is a perfect fusion of talent and charm. Join us now for an exclusive interview where Joong shares insights into his life journey, multicultural lifestyle and the exciting projects that lie ahead. SUNNY SIDE UP : JOONG'S SUNFLOWER-INFUSED STARDOM Can you share some highlights from your experiences growing up in both Thailand and Turkey? JOONG: Growing up in two countries has made me strong and resilient. I moved to Turkey at the age of eight when my mother remarried. Not knowing where on earth you are and suddenly having to pick up a whole new language is no walk in the park. Nobody even talked to me in the beginning because I was a foreigner, which made it pretty tough. But being a kid has its perks and in a mere two months, I somehow managed to grasp Turkish like a pro. That turned things around, and quickly I found myself connecting with the locals effortlessly. I might even argue that my Turkish is better than some of the locals (laughs)… I snagged the top spot in my Turkish language class. Bragging rights, right?! 52 THE SPOTLIGHT Growing up in two different countries, did you face any challenges in adapting to new lifestyles, and how did you overcome them? JOONG: Not much, to be honest. Life there was generally smooth, but there were moments that threw me a curveball. Occasionally, I experienced bullying for being a foreigner, and people would mock me for looking different. In those situations, I learned to overcome it by choosing to ignore and distance myself from negativity. Some even tried to pull a fast one and squeeze some money out of me; I'd toss them a coin now and then. As the years rolled on, I got the hang of dealing with those situations better, learning to discern whom to trust and figuring out who to roll with to stay on my feet. Are there specific travel destinations that you dream of visiting in the future? What draws you to those places? JOONG: Actually, back when I was a kid, I had this list of places I really wanted to check out – Japan, Korea, and a bunch more. Now that I'm in the acting scene I've had the chance to visit many spots, meet my awesome fans in various countries, leading to extensive travel. Still, the place that's been on my mind lately is Los Angeles. I used to dream about Paris, and I even made it to Paris Fashion Week. Now, though, there's something about L.A. They call it the “city of entertainment”, it’s vibrant with lively parties and you know what? – I'm kinda into that scene, it’s something I truly enjoy. Just want to soak up those vibes. When it comes to travel destinations, do you have a preference for bustling cities, serene landscapes or cultural hubs? What draws you to those specific settings? JOONG: I like them all, honestly. It depends on my mood. Sometimes, I crave the sea, other times the tranquillity of the mountains. When life feels a bit dull, I'm up for a party. If I'm stressed, I seek solace in nature or, when I need some thinking time, I head to the sea or a library. I go to the library not necessarily to read but to just sit there and do nothing, maybe write songs. It's all about how I'm feeling at the moment. Do you prefer solo travel or do you find that having a travel companion enhances the overall experience for you? JOONG: Most of the time I have a companion to travel with, but I also like to be alone. Growing up on my own since I was a child, I've developed a liking for doing things independently and I take pride in that. Despite what my fan club often asks about feeling lonely, I'm not. I keep myself occupied with a lot of work (laughs). When it comes to travel, what qualities do you look for in a travel companion? JOONG: I have friends with whom I often travel, and we share a similar lifestyle. Well, not exactly the same lifestyle, but we have a common taste in the places we like to visit. Poon (Poon Mitpakdee) and Est (Supha Sangaworawong) the national swimmer are my best friends. Whenever I invite them to go somewhere, they say yes and are ready to head out. For instance, I might call them at midnight to plan a trip for the next morning. Sometimes, we drive to a destination in the early morning just to catch the sunset and then drive back. We all share a love for photography, and we understand each other without saying much. When I see them raising their cameras, we know exactly what to do.5354 THE SPOTLIGHT55 Are there specific dishes from Turkish cuisine that hold a special place in your heart? Any favourite restaurants or street food spots? JOONG: One of the famous dishes is Kebab, where the meat – chicken, beef, lamb – is skewered on a stick and rotated on a grill until perfectly cooked, then sliced off and topped with salad and sauces like ketchup and mayonnaise. It's a favourite among teenagers, somewhat comparable to Khao Niew Moo Ping (grilled pork skewer with sticky rice) in Thai cuisine. A go-to restaurant for me is Usta Donerci, which has many branches across the country. The food is incredibly delicious, and the prices are quite reasonable. Do you enjoy cooking, and if so, do you have any favourite dishes that you like to prepare? JOONG: When I'm in Turkey, I enjoy cooking. However, back in Thailand it's much easier to buy ready-made meals, especially since I stay in a condominium. When I do cook, I often prepare dishes like egg soup, steamed eggs, omelettes and fried eggs with tamarind sauce – basically, a variety of egg-based dishes. I can whip up a delicious omelette, although it may be a bit on the sweet side. I also make a mean Omurice (Japanese omelette). I just love cooking with eggs; it's simple and easy. Travelling can sometimes disrupt regular fitness routines. How do you stay active and maintain your fitness while on the go? What advice or tips would you offer to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle? JOONG: To be honest, I hardly go to the gym. Just twice a week, but I go all out during those two sessions. Despite my weight being 73 kg, I lift 70 kg. On other days, I control my food intake and practise intermittent fasting, eating only between 12 pm and 6 pm and avoiding anything after 6 pm. This routine helps me maintain my shape. When it comes to travel, I don't follow a specific routine. I prepare myself before the trip and during travel, I indulge in and enjoy all meals. I believe that if we don't eat the delicious food of the country we're visiting, it means we haven't truly experienced it. Having a good foundation of body muscle is key; and with good metabolism, eating a lot doesn't necessarily lead to weight gain. Why is the souvenir for the fan club that you designed by yourself a sunflower character? JOONG: In the two drama series that I worked on with Dung, there always was something about sunflowers and so I believe that sunflowers have a meaning for us. That's why I chose to use the sunflower. Our names Joong and Dung inspired the name for the sunflower character, JD or Jai Dee. I drew it myself; I've enjoyed drawing since I was a kid, though I had less opportunity to do that as I grew up. Previously, I liked sketching people and things with a pencil as it sharpened my concentration; I had a short attention span. Can you share some insights into your current projects and any exciting upcoming ventures that fans can look forward to? JOONG: In 2024, I'll be starring in the series "Ploy's Yearbook" which is already 60-70% filmed. It’s set to be launched this January 2024. I play the role of a boxer named "Pongtawan". You can stay updated on my projects through GMMTV, all YouTube channels, Facebook, and Instagram.56 LA MINIERA'S INDOOR POOL VILLAS: DIVE INTO LUXURY!57 SPECIAL PROMOTION Step into La Miniera Pool Villas Pattaya, where every service aspect has been crafted to unfold a tapestry of luxurious experiences. Aptly-named La Miniera, Italian for “the mine”, the property promises a stay reminiscent of unearthing a precious gem in a vast mine, each moment along the journey an opportunity to discover enchanting gems, or treasured memories. 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