We are about to roundup our awards criterion for the year 2024 and the last segment will definitely leave you shocked or surprised; depending on which actors you were rooting for. We ourselves were left bewildered with the surprising choices made our readers; but no matter what, the actors are deserving of the accolades and their exemplary performances stand testament to the same!

10) Top Piyawat (Every You, Every Me)

A man so handsome, he will leave you stunned with his beauty. Probably, this statement makes more sense when levied against Top Piyawat’s strikingly good looks. Portraying the main lead in an anthology where he had to change looks, attires and even personalities, Top Piyawat rose to the challenge with ease. From playing a dominant boss to enacting a submissive lover, Top breezed through his performances. His chemistry with co-star Mick Monthon was an added advantage and their somber romance became an instant hit.

9) Lee Tae Vin (Love for Love’s Sake)

Submerging himself into a tight lined narrative comes easily to actor Lee Tae Vin. Starring as the main lead in the adaptation “Love for Love’s Sake”, Lee Tae Vin had to grasp the finer nuances of a character who gets teleported into an alternate universe set inside a game. Tasked with bringing happiness to Cha Yeo Woon, a talented track and field star admired for his looks and athleticism, his character Tae Myung Ha navigates a complex virtual world. The romance was naturalistic, so was his chemistry with co-star Cha Joo Wan. They are probably one of the most celebrated Korean BL couples, with their offscreen interactions drawing affections from avid fans!

8) Chris Chiu (Unknown Series)

Acting as the male lead in a troubled romance scripted by popular Chinese BL author Priest isn’t an easy task. Most of her characters are complicated and their past experiences are arguably painful. Chris had to step into the shoes of a character who has supported his sister Wei Li Li and adopted brother Wei Zhi Yuan since losing his parents, risking his life working illegally. He stems past these difficult environments to live a normal life, until his so-called brother confesses his feelings for him. Chris emulates well, his depiction are on-point; you can feel Wei Qian’s internal struggle with his emotions as he comes to terms with his actual feelings for Wei Zhi Yuan. The romance was diffident but Chris’s chemistry with co-star Kurt Huang was icing on the cake!

7) Kim Nu Rim (Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo)

Hwang Da Seul is popular for her caricature of difficult, stubborn characters that are set in their own ways. It could be Han Ji Woo from “To My Star” or Lee Do Hoe from the recently concluded “Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo”. Kim Nu Rim had to portray the troubled emotions of an abused teenager who finds comfort & solace in his father’s student, Shin Ju Young. As Lee Do Hoe, he had to portray the pain that the main protagonist suffered at his abusive father’s hands. The romance is unexpectedly complicated, the separation inarguably taunting which makes their reconciliation quite meaningful. Do Hoe suffers from internal conflicts and low self-esteem; Kim Nu Rim does an exemplary job embodying his difficulties.

6) Nam Yoon Su (Love in the Big City)

Adapted from the popular novel “Love in the Big City” by Park Sang Young, the drama adaptation made waves before its premiere because of the negative publicity by fanatic groups. Despite their callous attitude, one man broke the barriers to steal the limelight- Nam Yoon Su. Extremely diffident and proud of his work, Nam Yoon Su showed that his actions speak louder. His “Ko Yeong”, though passive was loud and audacious. The dormant gay culture in Korea was streamlined and enacted in a manner that was realistic and edgy. Nam Yoon Su breathed life into a role of a HIV patient who is struggling financially, and yet he yearns for true love. The aspirations though impossible set the stage for future generations to dream & aspire.

5) Perth Tanapon (Perfect 10 Liners)

Possibly one of the most popular actors in the current generation, Perth made his debut in the BL industry with the timeless classic “Love by Chance”. His chemistry with co-star Saint Suppapong was much celebrated and they became the national obsession. Unfortunately good things come to an end and Perth spend the last few years fleeting around until he found solid ground at the GMMTV camp. There he was paired opposite Chimon Wachirawit, their pairing though short-lived was much appreciated. Currently, starring in the adaptation, “Perfect 10 Liners”, Perth is making waves for his offbeat chemistry with new co-star Santa Pongsapak. They make an adorable, lively couple and fans are thoroughly entertained with their lovable camaraderie. Perth knows how to make his co-star comfortable and that ease translates to great chemistry onscreen!

4) Up Poompat (My Stand-In)

Inarguably an enigma, Up Poompat made his acting debut in the BL industry with “Lovely Writer”. Paired opposite Kao Noppakao, their chemistry was topnotch. His career skyrocketed to new heights with this lead role and after playing few supporting roles, Up returned to the BL world with the 2024 hit “My Stand-In”. As Ming, he had to portray a callous character who is rich, spoiled, stubborn and hellbent on self-destruction. He is obsessed and his possessive nature is combustible. Up had to own upto the negative traits of his character and lead the narrative in a manner where he very much acted like a dreaded antagonist. He was excellent in his depiction, and he managed to make the fan’s fume with Ming’s arrogant attitude.

3) JJ Krissanapoom (Spare Me Your Mercy)

A righteous police officer falling for a criminal suspect? This seems like a time tested formula and yet it isn’t. Because in most scenarios, love wins but Police Major Wasan is firmly rooted and brutally honest to his morals. “Spare Me Your Mercy” ties a neat narrative between Wasan & his lover, Dr. Kant albeit the suspect in the serial murders occurring in their hometown. They dance around each other, with Kant testing Wasan’s patience and limits. While Wasan remains hugely suspicious of Kant’s intentions, he is also intrigued with the charming doctor. Jaylerr had to walk a tight rope where he had to keep his emotions under control. His somber expressions portray Wasan’s distrust while his soulful eyes betray his affections for Kant. Jaylerr did a splendid job emulating Wasan’s difficult relationship and his principled demeanor.

2) Tor Thanapob (Spare Me Your Mercy)

The BL gods blessed us when this handsome man decided that he needed to take up a BL role. A veteran actor in the Thai industry, Tor intrigued BL fans when his bromance with Gun Atthaphan in “Midnight Musuem” stole the limelight. Avid fans hoped he would daringly star in a BL project and their dreams came true when “Spare Me Your Mercy” was announced. A medical drama involves quite a lot of research about ailments and their possible medications. As Kant, Tor portrays the role of a palliative doctor who believes in mercy killing or Euthanasia (which is banned in most Asian countries). His caring nature makes him break the laws as he helps his suffering patients meet a less painful ending. Kant’s conviction is strong as he believes less in the law and worries more about his patients, totally at odds with his love interest, Wasan. Tor & JJ had an explosive chemistry and their romance was sensual yet tasteful.

1) Poom Phuripan (My Stand-In)

Who would have thought that a low-key actor with just one hit under his belt would win against the titans and veterans in this competitive industry? What were the odds of him winning the title? And yet, Poom Phuripan has managed the impossible! Despite starring in quite a few projects, Poom only rose to stardom after making a mark in “Bake Me Please”. That was his first major BL role and though short, his character had a decent impact. Next, he was chosen to lead the cast in the Thai adaptation “My Stand-In”. Pitted opposite a popular actor like Up Poompat, Poom had to stand his ground and leave a lasting impression in the audience’s minds. As Joe, Poom had to embody the finer nuances of an overworked stuntman. As Joe falls in love with the rich heir Ming, he wears his heart on the sleeves. The impending betrayal, Joe’s sudden death and his shocking reincarnation in another body was handled sensitively as Poom portrays the confusion, hurt and pain inflicted on his character. Joe’s tumultuous relationship with Ming remains the focus and Poom plays the part well; Joe’s conflicted emotions and his trauma were literally embedded in everyone’s minds. Poom won because he proved that he is an actor par excellence!

We hope our readers and avid BL fans had a fun time voting in this year’s polls. Until next year!