Four Stars Discuss Historical Drama 'When Light Fades'

Momentum is building for the historical drama series "When Light Fades," as four actors—Bass Asawapolpol, Lonchang Atthip Kosinkoed, Pean Tai Nattanich Pradisathan, and Kate Katreeya Bowens—gathered today to discuss the series and their roles.

**Is the series based on history?** Pean Tai explained: "It takes inspiration from a historical period and uses a specific timeline as a base, but the events are rewritten. It serves as a framework so we understand the era, people's values, and social structures. Then we zoom in on character relationships—not just between two men, but also between men and women in love, or parent and child, like Lonchang's relationship with Khun Teneng, or my own character as a father with a son in the military. This story delves deeply into character relationships."

**What was your first impression reading the script?** Kate shared: "When I was cast, I found out my character 'Mada' was quite different from myself, which felt interesting. Since Mada has diverse relationships—romantic, with a child, sibling dynamics—I wanted to make her as complete and layered as possible."

Lonchang noted: "I auditioned for two roles and ultimately got 'Rawin,' a student who flees into the forest and encounters a communist base. I was happy with it. When I auditioned opposite Bass, who played my comrade Yew, I realized Rawin is someone with conviction and ideology. I had to do homework to build that inner confidence and certainty before the audition."

Bass added: "I play Comrade Yew. During casting, I read opposite several potential Rawins—about five or six. When I worked opposite Lonchang, there was chemistry. What drew me to Yew initially was his quiet, introspective nature. I loved that because Korean dramas often have brooding male leads, and I wanted to try that. It felt like a challenge."

Pean Tai continued: "I auditioned for Yew as well, and it was the only role I auditioned for. The production team called back saying yes and that we'd work together. I became 'Dandin' instead—I laughed at that. Since I didn't get that audition, I reviewed the character list and found Dandin interesting. He's similar to Yew but carries internal drama from family relationships suppressed under military duty and loyalty."

**Did you do workshops together?** Bass explained: "We had several workshops, including weapons training since the series requires it. We learned proper, safe handling for shooting."

**Are there romantic scenes? How are they handled?** Lonchang said with a laugh: "They're intense. The first episode is already intense."

Bass described: "Since NC—the communist cadre—is set in the forest and it's my first time filming outdoors, we shot by a riverside. We had to communicate to make both actors as comfortable as possible. Once we're in character, things flow naturally."

Lonchang agreed: "When I'm in character, it flows on its own."

**What locations did you visit?** Kate mentioned: "We filmed in many places—Pathum Thani, Saraburi, Nakhon Nayok. Each location was beautiful."

Pean Tai noted: "About 80-90 percent is forest scenes."

Bass added: "I'm in the forest basically 100 percent. The main set is in Pathum Thani, a military camp they built a whole village set for."

Lonchang concluded: "It was great for the actors. It helps us immerse ourselves in our characters and believe in the story.