NuNew, of Cutie Pie and After Sundown, talks about his new single, fan pressure and spills on where he and Zee disagree

Thai-born actor/singer NuNew, Chawarin Perdpiriyawong – who never dreamed of being in showbiz – has recently released a Japanese language ballad, ‘First Date at Shibuya,’ under Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) and performed a solo concert in Tokyo to nearly 30,000 people over two shows. This follows his starring work in several well-loved dramas and movies since his debut in 2022 (only 2 years ago) in Cutie Pie opposite Thai actor, Zee Pruk Panich.

How did so much happen so quickly? Originally scouted over Facebook, the 23-year-old has won multiple awards for both music and acting. With all that, he’s still a little hesitant, worrying as he dips his toes into new areas. Yet he continues to draw fans and accolades. After appearing on the small screen, he quickly achieved the title, ‘Pearl of Asia’ in Thailand as well as half the combined BL moniker ZeeNew across Asia and beyond.

An avowed romance guy, he speaks to TheReviewGeek about his current and upcoming projects as an international entertainer. We get to know him personally as he discusses his interests, fans, favorite movie of 2024 and if he and Zee Pruk were to argue, what that might be about…

Kristen Lazur, TRG: Tell us about your music…you seem to release a lot of love songs. Is that your favorite music genre?

คำตอบ (NuNew): I love to sing sentimental ballads – it can be either a love song or a sad song. ‘First Date at Shibuya’ (In Japanese: ‘渋谷のBARで初めてのデイト’) is my debut Japanese single. Produced by Amp Achariya (who’s written many songs for me) and Hisashi Kondo, it’s a puppy love story of a couple on a date in the Shibuya district. [See music video above.] But you can listen to it even if you’re not in love or dating. If you’re sad, I hope it makes you feel better. 

What kinds of music can we expect in future?

คำตอบ: I’ve experimented with different genres previously. While I enjoy a ballad, a music festival in Thailand, for example, would require more upbeat or dance music. [He performed ‘Sloth Style’ at the FANTA festival in October.] You will definitely see different shades of my music to come.

Is romantic music what you’re listening to as well? What’s the first song on your playlist right now (that’s not your own)?

คำตอบ: I enjoy listening to all kinds of music. I can listen to sad songs, love songs, upbeat songs, pop songs, dance songs, international music – however, romantic music is definitely my favorite. The first song on my playlist is called ‘Spring’ (in Thai: ดอกไม้ที่รอฝน). It’s a Thai song, also written by Amp Achariya and sung by my two favorites, Nont Tanont (My Forever Sunshine OST) and THE TOYS. I love this song and listen to it all the time.  

What was it like to debut as a singer in Japan? What did you discover while you were there?

คำตอบ: It was really fun. I had the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone. At first, I was worried – as an international artist, could I achieve my goals like in Thailand? But with the good vibes from the very nice staff and positive reception from the fans, all of my anxiety disappeared. I feel happy and free working in Japan. I’ve been so impressed with the work ethic and the character of the Japanese people. Everyone is so nice.

Singing plays a role in much of your acting work. What is your first love, singing or acting?

คำตอบ: I love both acting and singing. But if I had to choose, right now, I love singing more – I started singing cover songs first. Singing has been what I loved since I was a child. When I started acting, I worked very hard and still enjoy it so much. There will be a lot of acting work to come, including my second full-length film with GDH in Thailand. I hope that everyone will look forward to it. I will also have a new series The Next Prince (ข้ามฟ้าเคียงเธอ) that’s currently in production to release in 2025.

After working on BL dramas, horror and an idol drama, what genre would you like to try next? Is there a character you’ve always wanted to play?

คำตอบ: I really want to work on a fantasy project. I love fantasy movies – I’m a huge fan of Harry Potter. I’d be delighted with a role where I can exercise magic. I know it won’t be easy. I’d have to use my imagination as I ignite a fire or destroy a building by casting a spell, visualizing it enough to convince an audience. I’ll need to work hard if this opportunity comes one day.    

Having worked on several dramas with Zee Pruk, tell us what you like about working with him.

คำตอบ: I’ve been working with Zee Pruk for more than 4 years now. I love the fact that we’re both calm. Calm people can get along very well. Zee is a very reasonable person who hardly loses his temper. He’s the same as the first day we met and I really love that about him. I love consistent people. Zee is very diligent and good at what he does. When I was new to acting, he was the one who taught me everything and was my role model. I’m happy to have him around. He also taught me that I don’t have to become someone I’m not while in the entertainment industry. I can be myself and people will still love me. 

If you were to argue with Zee about something, what would it be? 

คำตอบ: We never argue. BUT, if we did, it would be about food and fitness regimes. I enjoy eating but not exercising, while Zee enjoys exercising but not eating. Which is why I hesitate when he invites me to a fitness place. We’ve barely fought since we’ve known each other – our sulks are more a joke or prank.    

In previous interviews, you’ve talked about your first meeting with Zee in the studio, about his warm personality and how he can be clumsy sometimes. And he notes how you’ve become naughtier since you first met. How has your relationship evolved after several years of working together?

คำตอบ: We may not have been close in the beginning but the more we got to know each other, I realized we both had good intentions. We’ve been working together since the first workshop of Cutie Pie. We performed in concert together and overseas multiple times too. I think in the past four years, I’ve been with Zee more than my parents. Our relationship continues to grow and I hope it stays that way. 

What’s a good on-screen example where we can see how you’ve evolved together?

คำตอบ: If you look back at our very first work, you can see that there was still some distance between us. I was nervous at first because of the age difference – we’re nine years apart, a pretty big gap. However, we’ve become closer and more comfortable together. I can pull a prank on him and be sulky around him and sometimes, I even pinch him. Even though I’m still respectful, I’ve become more playful around him nowadays.  

Our readers are excited about your new drama with Zee, The Next Prince. We’ve seen the trailer but what can you tell us about your character and his situation?

คำตอบ: In The Next Prince I play a prince and heir of the Assavadevathin family from the fictional country of Emmaly. Khanin grew up with his father in England as an average person. However, one day, Charan – played by Zee – takes Khanin back to Emmaly for a mission that comes with a huge responsibility. Sword fights will be a center point of the series.

What emotions are you trying to express as Prince Khanin Assavadevathin? 

คำตอบ: Prince Khanin progresses from a cheerful, normal kid in England to a prince with growing arrogance. In the series, we see how he adjusts to a new life in the palace – he has a difficult time. I had to work hard to ensure viewers will feel the transformation. If you want to know how it plays out, be sure to watch the series, The Next Prince!

You’ve got so many projects coming in 2025. What are you most excited for us to see in the series Zomvivor and movie, Beauty and the Beat?

คำตอบ: Yes, Zomvivor is a zombie film where I’ll play a character you haven’t seen before. The costume, acting and the character’s lifestyle are completely different from previous roles. For Beauty and the Beat, you’ll see me in a full-fledged comedy film for the very first time.

Is there anything else we should anticipate?

คำตอบ: In 2025, I’ll release more songs leading up to my first album. There will also be a concert, which could be a solo or a duo project, so please keep a lookout.

There seems to be a lot of social pressure in both the acting and music industries. And maybe even more as half of an established BL couple. How do you cope with unreasonable fans’ demanding expectations?

คำตอบ: People may perceive that I’ve encountered pressure from public eyes but that hasn’t been the case. At first, it might have been difficult as I was new to everything. These days, everything is much better as my fans are very nice. Some people might have certain expectations; however, I’ve released many projects and seem to have become fans’ source of happiness. Right now, I don’t feel any pressure at all. My fans love me for being myself and love what I do.

You studied Humanities at University – if not entertainment, what career did you have in mind? Is it something you’d still like to do someday? Or have your aspirations changed?

คำตอบ: I studied Humanities with a major in Chinese and dreamed of working in multiple careers. When I was younger, I wanted to be a chef. However, later, I became passionate about the Chinese language and wanted to become a translator. I still think about doing it, but I feel that a career in the entertainment industry has suited me well. I would love to try becoming a translator one day but not in the near future. My goal has changed to being an actor and singer. 

You’ve done music collaborations with several singers from other countries as well as spoken English in some of your dramas. How many languages do you speak even just a little? Is acting in another country something you also aspire to do?

คำตอบ:  I have been working with people from many countries and can speak Thai, English and Chinese. Working abroad would be interesting. I admit that I’d feel nervous about things like the language barrier and an unfamiliar working culture. However, I would still want to try it.

As we’re a Review site and it’s close to the end of the year, what’s the best thing you’ve watched in 2024 – your favorite drama or movie? What did you love about it?

คำตอบ: I’ve been having a great time watching dramas, movies and anime. But recently, I watched Wicked: Part 1 and loved it. Ariana Grande is what got me interested as she’s my favorite singer. Her performance is powerful. The overall feel of the movie is wholesome and the supporting characters and dancers do a spectacular job. It is my favorite movie of 2024.

 

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What NuNew projects are you most looking forward to seeing next? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Check out NuNew’s video message about his new single below.

READ MORE: Interviews & Thai drama reviews

 

🚨EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: NuNew shares his new single and surprises for 2025: https://t.co/mBPScN4MSv…

NuNew has a message for you! #NuNewJapanDebut #DMDMUSIC #NuNew #FirstDateAtShibuya #FirstDateAtShibuyaByNuNew @NuNewProjectJP@CwrNew pic.twitter.com/0ywouz9M5n

— TheReviewGeek (@TheReviewGeek2) December 13, 2024