February 2024 Cover: It's the Merqeen season
More than just a heartthrob, rising star Meerqeen is out to prove that his charm extends beyond his looks.
Whether it's on social media, television or billboards, these days, it's hard to go a day without seeing Meerqeen. At 22 years old, the actor, model and singer who was propelled into the entertainment industry after winning third place in the 2020 edition of the local idol competition, Hero Remaja, has racked up some serious credentials in less than four years. While his first drama, Angkara Cinta, launched his acting career, it was Melur Untuk Firdaus that took him to new heights. The romantic drama, starring Meerqeen and Anna Jobling, garnered a whopping 11 million viewers, and the on-screen couple went on to nab several awards after.
Following the phenomenal success of the series, the actor was named YSL Beauty's first Malaysian brand ambassador and Tiffany & Co's first Friend of the House. But we know that this is merely just the beginning for the bright star as he has yet to scratch the surface of what he has to offer. With two films, one drama and one web drama set to be released this year at the time of writing, trust us when we say that we, along with the Meerqeen Troopers (the name of his official fan club), are all eyes and ears.
Below, Meerqeen talks about the art of acting, his perception of beauty, and his fame and everything that goes with it (keyword: airplane mode, baby!).
You’re L’OFFICIEL HOMMES MALAYSIA’s first cover star of the year! How has your January been so far?
Five days in, and I'm already reaching new heights! So yeah, January has been great, and I'd love to keep it that way, hopefully for the rest of the year.
Melur Untuk Firdaus has achieved undeniable success. What was your biggest takeaway from the drama (and the sequel)?
That I should do more romcoms? [Laughs] Jokes aside, I see it as a sign that either the audiences love seeing us, or the story was simply just that good. Personally, between you and me, I prefer to believe in the former [laughs].
Describe a memorable scene or project that significantly impacted your acting growth.
Viu's Nenek Bongkok Tiga was very helpful in developing my craft. Due to the nature of the platform and the raw script that I was fortunate enough to perform, it gave me a chance to be more confident in wearing my skin while also benefitting from the safe space that acting provides. I believe the experience helped me incorporate my ego and my voice into my art, not to mention the bond I've made with the cast and crew which in itself is invaluable for my acting journey.
How do you handle the blurred lines between your public persona and personal life?
Well, thanks to the advent of social media and the Internet, the blurred lines are becoming even more nonexistent. With personal lives becoming more public, even for non-celebrities, yes, it has been hard. However, thanks to the internet being online, and the ramifications of unblurring becoming concentrated in comment sections instead of in-person confrontations like in the old days, I'll just go offline and take a drive when it gets too much. Ignorance is bliss, as they say. "What? Y’all talking crap about me? Well, that can't stop me because I’ve switched on airplane mode."
Do the negative comments ever get to you?
Like I said, what comments? Airplane mode, baby! But seriously, social media can be toxic for your mental health, so please take a break and touch grass once in a while.
"Beauty is a pattern that makes you happy. Patterns of paint on a portrait, patterns of sounds in a lullaby, patterns of words in a sonnet — I could go on. If it makes you happy, then it's beautiful to you."
Congratulations on being selected as one of the 100 Most Handsome Men of 2023 list by TC Candler. What does beauty mean to you?
Beauty is subjective, so technically, everyone is both right and wrong about their perception of beauty. Therefore, I'll just be wrong and say beauty is a pattern that makes you happy. Patterns of paint on a portrait, patterns of sounds in a lullaby, patterns of words in a sonnet — I could go on. If it makes you happy, then it's beautiful to you.
You’re also YSL Beauty’s first Malaysian brand ambassador. What is it about the brand that resonates with you?
Well for one, Yves Saint Laurent is such a main character name to have. You cannot fail in life with a name like that. It exudes class, which is apt because have you seen what he made? Just absolute bangers, all of them. Wearing one of the scents just makes you want to do better in life, and also makes you look like you do better in life. So yeah, I love that.
Describe your perfect day off.
Definitely a long scenic drive that ends with a fantastic view of the night sky. Or you know, binge-watch Friends for the umpteenth time in my room.
Your last single Menunggu was released three years ago. Are there any plans to put out more songs in the future, or is acting your main focus now?
Well, let's ask what the people want. Looking at the stats, they want me acting, and I love acting. So for now, I'm focusing on that. But really, who knows? Maybe there will be collaborations coming
my way, maybe I'll get more movie offers. We don't know yet, but I'll keep grinding and be ready for any opportunity I get.
What's in the pipeline for you in 2024?
I have two movies coming out sometime this year, and a series on Viu. It's a local adaptation of a Korean series, so for the K-drama fans out there, this will be something to look forward to!
COVER CREDITS:
Photography Nelson Chong / Frenss Studio
Creative Direction & Styling Colin Sim
Words Joan Kong
Grooming Sharman Yee using YSL Beauty
Hair Keith Ong
Our February 2024 "Self-love" issue featuring Merqeen will be available in selected major bookstores and newsstands in Malaysia.
