Interview Exclusive with Thai rising star Bie KPN - Men's Folio
Interview

Interview Exclusive with Thai rising star Bie KPN

  • By Men's Folio

Adversity is the rusty flipside to the glinting coin of success, and it is unfortunately the face that determined dream chasers see a little too often. For most, the inclination to throw their hands up in defeat and down spiral into a cringe-worthy cesspool of “woe is me” becomes habitual, but for Thai-Taiwanese singer, Bie KPN, confronting defeat is just half the battle won.

The 23-year old’s budding fame is testament to his passionate ambitions. Bie, or Thassapak Hsu, which is his actual name, was born in Taiwan but moved to southern Thailand at 14, where he began learning the language and assimilating into the country’s colorful culture. At 18, backed with an unshakeable love for singing, Bie decided to move to Bangkok to become a full-time singer.

His siblings have shared similar aspirations, but both their attempts resulted in disillusionment towards the unforgiving entertainment industry. His unfaltering tenacity would not waver, even when his parents were not approving.

“One of my idols is Rain, and he makes me feel like I can be a singer, so I try anyway. I’m not rich. I was actually living in Southern Thailand. I told my parents to just buy me a ticket to Bangkok and I’d fight for myself.”

That was the veritable golden ticket. The starlet’s entry into the prestigious vocal competition, KPN Awards, in 2011 spearheading his claim to rampant adoration from many fans, especially after cinching the top prize, hence the “KPN” title in his name.

Bie has expanded his repertoire to acting, and is now working on multiple drama series, including the popular Club Friday, but singing will remain the pinnacle of his artistic preferences.

”When I look at my performance in front of the camera, I think it’s still OK. When singing on stage, however, I experience a genuine joy. It’s the entire experience with the fans,” shares the grateful singer.

Five years after the KPN Awards and nearly a quarter of a million fans on social media later, Bie’s name is still flourishing outside of Thailand, and the dashing performer’s reputation is only getting bigger. 

For more of the interview with Bie KPN, check out the May 2015 issue of Men’s Folio.