For fans of Thai BL (Boys’ Love) dramas, you must know Joong Archen Aydin and Dunk Natachai Boonprasert (lovingly known as JoongDunk) and might have even followed them since their debut as a BL pairing in 2022 through their breakout hit, Star & Sky: Star in My Mind.
Photo from dunknatachai / Instagram
JoongDunk happened to be my favorite Thai BL pairing, so the announcement from GMMTV that they have officially concluded their onscreen partnership is absolutely breaking my heart. At the same time though, it also makes sense.
In the Thai BL industry, official “couple” ships (CPs) often serve as a launching pad for young actors. While maintaining a long-term pairing offers stability and a strong fan foundation, artists inevitably reach a point where they wish to diversify their roles, explore solo endeavors, or take on different genres without being limited to a single dynamic.
According to official statements, the decision was reached through mutual agreement and deep respect between the artists and management. As both actors develop personal artistic goals, such as Dunk pursuing new creative and lifestyle passions and Joong exploring broader performance channels, stepping away from the fixed pairing allows them the freedom to chart their own paths.
The timing of it just seems a little out of the blue, especially since they had a new project lined up. While the GMMTV announcement states that the previously announced activities will proceed as scheduled, some fans are pointing out that the promos for their upcoming BL content, How to Survive My CEO, have been hidden or deleted from GMMTV.
We do hope it pushes through so we can get one last BL with JoongDunk, but either way, thank you, Joong and Dunk, for every single smile, every series, every concert stage, and every unforgettable memory you gave us as JoongDunk. You will always be my comfort pair, no matter where your individual journeys take you next.
