True AF 2026 The Series – Chapter 1: Revival

When the road paved with sweat and perseverance reaches a dead end, “Kyryu-Music,” two fighters from True AF 2026, refuse to surrender. They wipe away their tears, smile at the lessons life has taught them, and set out once more toward their destination.

Chapter 1: AF064 Kyryu, the Indomitable Fighter

Many years ago, in a little-known village in Maha Sarakham Province, an 11-year-old boy sat watching reruns of *Academy Fantasia* over and over. Each time the episode ended, the answer in his mind grew clearer: he knew exactly what he was born to do.

Kyryu — Phonphokin Khammatcha, a remarkably talented 26-year-old — had been instilled with the dream of becoming an artist from a young age. Although his family’s financial circumstances were modest, his parents offered unwavering support for their son’s aspirations.

“My family wasn’t wealthy,” Kyryu recalled of his childhood. “My father and mother sold secondhand goods to put me through school.” Yet his parents possessed remarkable resilience. “They always told me, ‘Go for it, son. Fight with everything you have. If you fight hard, Mom will fight hard too.’” He pushed himself until he graduated with a degree in performing arts from Bangkok University. In the meantime, he trained relentlessly, developing himself in every possible way to become a well-rounded performer. His sole dream, he emphasized, was to become an artist — nothing else.

Having fixed that goal firmly in place, the young man began honing his skills through self-taught methods, absorbing lessons from YouTube videos in the hope that one day he would have the chance to perform on the grand stage of *Academy Fantasia*.

When the moment he felt ready finally arrived, however, the door of opportunity slammed shut. Kyryu redirected his path and auditioned as a male dancer for a well-known *mor lam* label, the “Village Headman Finland” company. Deep down, he harbored the quiet hope that he might one day sing for its owner, the influential Big Thitiwut Warun, and showcase the power of his voice.

It did not take long for the label head to recognize his potential. Kyryu was given the opportunity to step forward as an artist under Tokyo Music, a new label within the same network. For the first time, he truly experienced what it meant to be an “artist.” He held the microphone and sang with genuine joy while serving as the main dancer for the group during concert tours across the country.

“My one and only dream has always been to become an artist — there has never been a backup plan,” Kyryu said with a warm smile, his eyes radiating clear determination. “Being an artist is not merely a dream for me; I see it as my future profession.”

As time passed and his perspective matured through experience, Kyryu chose to step out of his comfort zone. He committed fully to resetting himself once again by auditioning for True AF 2026 — the original and singular dream he had pursued throughout his life.

“When I came here, I didn’t see myself as having any advantage over the others,” he explained. “I reset myself as an ordinary person coming to compete. It may have been fortunate that I already had training and experience from my previous label, and I’m deeply grateful for everything I gained there.”

“But this time, auditioning for AF for the first time, I felt the atmosphere created by everyone who shares the same dream, the same determination, and the same hope of becoming one of the final 12 and an artist. I didn’t feel nervous. Instead, I felt filled with the collective energy of people chasing their dreams alongside me.”

“Because throughout my life, I have been honest and true to my dream. I have never abandoned my aspiration to become an artist, not even once. Along the way, there have been disappointments, falls, and heartbreaks — but those are normal. They are our experiences. And if one day we succeed in becoming an artist whom everyone recognizes, those struggles will become inspiration for others.”

Chapter 2: AF012 Enjoy the Music

Twenty years ago, a little five-year-old girl in Chiang Mai sat glued to the television screen in her family’s home. What played across the square screen was not a cartoon or a typical children’s program, but Academy Fantasia Season 3, which her mother had left on while cheering for her favorite contestant, Tui — Kiatkamol Lata — from AF3.

Although she was too young to fully understand it at the time, Music — Jidapa Kongthanaphakdi, now 24 — later revisited those episodes and realized that AF was profoundly different from any other stage. The senior contestants from previous seasons — Off from AF1, Pui Fai from AF4, Lukpong from AF4, and Sani from AF6 — had impressed her deeply with their singing and performance skills.

“I felt that everyone was so talented, and I wanted to be like those seniors,” Music recalled in a bright, joyful voice. “AF is unique. You live with the other 12 contestants for about two to three months. You train in singing and dancing while undergoing a social detox — completely cut off from outside news. It felt cool, worth trying, and genuinely fun.”

Once the spark of that dream ignited, her parents, who recognized their daughter’s artistic potential, spared no effort in supporting her. They enrolled her in singing and dancing lessons and took her to competitions across various stages. She eventually won prestigious awards, including a royal trophy from Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn in a group singing competition. Later, she signed with the idol group Sweat16 and performed in numerous acclaimed musical theater productions. When the group’s contract ended, the members went their separate ways.

Upon hearing that AF was returning, Music could barely contain her excitement. She immediately called her agency, which still held her under contract. “Can I go?” she asked. “I really want to.” Initially told no because of the existing contract, the agency later relented when the new season opened: “We’ll cancel the contract for you. Go to AF if you want it that much.”

Music laughingly told her mother that her mom was just as thrilled as she was. As soon as applications opened, her mother handled all the arrangements so her daughter could prepare thoroughly. Despite her extensive competition experience, the young woman from the North could not help feeling nervous when she picked up the microphone to compete again.

“I was extremely nervous,” she said, laughing as she spoke. “I felt that people in the North were even more excited than during the final audition round. It had been almost 10 years since I last competed, so it felt like starting over. The pressure was much greater — I was literally shaking.”

“In truth, several shows contacted me, but none felt quite right for me. I love singing, but I also love acting and modeling. I enjoy entertaining and sending positive energy to the audience.”

Her abundant talent allowed her to advance smoothly to the final audition round. Her natural charm also earned her considerable affection from new friends during the workshop, as well as from the production team and instructors.

Music admitted she enjoyed every class selected by True AF. Beyond the fun and challenge, they taught her how to create performances and infuse them with her own personality.

When asked to name her favorite part of the workshop, however, she burst into laughter before revealing it was not the singing or dancing sessions. “The snack sponsor!” she said. The staff even teased her: “Nong Music, three boxes of Dutch Mill.” She laughed heartily. “I loved it so much — I enjoyed it tremendously.”

Another commendable attitude is her constant search for weaknesses and commitment to self-improvement. Music expressed gratitude for her mother’s sharp eye in watching performances and providing feedback, as well as for the encouragement from both old and new fans and her fellow AF contestants, who continually sent positive energy her way.

“In the past, I had very high expectations,” she said. “But after meeting the other contestants, I realized that whether I make it or not doesn’t matter. If I do, that’s wonderful. If not, I’ve gained friendships and people who see value in me. Either way, it’s still positive. Now, let the judges worry about it,” she added with a laugh. “Because every one of the contestants here is truly talented.”

We invite you to comment on Facebook at TrueVisions or TrueAF Thailand to let us know whose “Dream Hunter’s Record” you would like to open next. Don’t forget to follow for the upcoming features on our website at truevisions.co.th/Showtime/

Do not miss it! Send your support to all 98 dream hunters and join in anticipating the announcement of the 12 who will advance in the live broadcast “Announcement of the 12 Dream Hunters of TRUE AF 2026” on Monday, May 11, starting at 17:00. Watch free on channel AF Reality (334) and via the TrueVisions Now app.