Since gracing our screens as Tine Teepakorn in 2gether: The Series alongside Bright Vachirawit Chivaaree four years ago, Win Metawin Opas-iamkajorn has taken the world by storm. He’s gone on to star in the highly raved-about Thai remake of F4: Boys Over Flowers, in addition to becoming an ambassador for both Prada and Tiffany & Co. And the 25-year-old is only just getting started.
His latest venture is a film titled Under Parallel Skies by Filipino director Sigrid Bernardo. Win plays Parin, a Thai bachelor who journeys to Hong Kong in search of his missing mother. There, he encounters a Filipino hotelier named Iris (played by popular Filipino actress Janella Salvodor), who helps him navigate love, heartbreak, and healing in spite of their differences. It’s also his first international motion picture.
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Shot with the support of Hong Kong Tourism Board, the movie features iconic locations such as Kowloon City and Tai O. The film was produced by 28 Squared Studios in partnership with Two Infinity Entertainment.
Ahead of the film’s theatrical release in Singapore yesterday, we caught up with the man of the hour to learn more about his experience working on this film, his entrepreneurial journey, brand ambassadorships and more.
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Congratulations on the successful completion of your new film. What made you decide to take it on?
This is my first cross-border film collaboration, which piqued my interest to give it a try. I wanted to gain experience working with international cast members.
Tell us about your character Parin. Do you share any similarities with him?
It's quite different, I think, because Parin is someone from a very wealthy family and doesn't really care about anything much. His life is pretty much sorted in every aspect. He doesn't have a clear goal in life. That said, we fell in love the same way. When I fall for someone, I fall intensely and I love them to the fullest, investing everything into them, just like Parin.
Tell us about the first time you met Janella. Was there instant chemistry?
Honestly, I felt a really strong chemistry right from the first workshop that we had. Initially, I was a bit nervous being together outside of scenes, but as soon as we started working together, I felt great chemistry. Janella is very professional and talented, which made it easy for me to convey my emotions. There was a strong connection between us.
This film was shot in Hong Kong. What was it like? How is it different from shooting in Thailand?
Shooting this film in Hong Kong was a unique experience. The difference lies in the location and the working methods. The location was entirely new and unfamiliar. This time, the primary shooting location was on an island, which was quite unusual and different from filming locations in Thailand.
What was it like working with director Sigrid Bernardo?
It was a great experience working with an international director for the first time.
You own multiple brands—VELENCE, SOURI, and VELATO. What inspired your entrepreneurial journey, and what is your mindset when it comes to starting a new business?
It’s my belief that when starting a business, it's crucial to begin with passion and genuine interest. Understanding why we want to pursue this particular business venture is essential because it becomes the driving force behind our perseverance and determination to succeed. It's like the initial mindset that sets the foundation. It motivates us to continuously strive to innovate, whether it's through developing new products or improving the marketing strategies to better meet the needs of our customers. Listening to customer feedback is also important for delivering the best possible outcomes.
How has your childhood shaped the person you are today?
I think every experience in my childhood has influenced the person I am today and plays a role in shaping my future decisions. Mistakes I may have made in the past have been learning opportunities, and I've grown and adapted as a result. It has broadened my perspective, deepened my understanding of the world, and increased my empathy towards others.
Tell us more about your new TV series, Beauty Newbie.
It's a TV series that is currently airing [on VIU]. It's based on a Webtoon IP that has been adapted into series in other countries. It represents a fresh approach to storytelling, and I hope everyone will tune in.
You play Guy on Beauty Newbie. So which character are you more similar to: Parin or Guy?
Ooooh! I think Parin and Guy are very different indeed. Parin doesn't care about anything. He doesn't care about other people's feelings at all. Whereas Guy is someone who cares about those around him, but he doesn’t know how to express his feelings to others.
You recently became the first Thai house ambassador for Tiffany & Co. How you feel about the appointment?
I'm very happy. Personally, I've always admired Tiffany & Co. and have been a customer myself. So, to be able to be a part of the Tiffany family feels really great. I'm excited to represent the brand in my own way, [and use the jewellery] the way I truly use it in my everyday life. I'm looking forward to seeing how I am going to represent Tiffany and Co. I hope everyone follows along.
Tell us about the other projects you have coming up.
Apart from Under Parallel Skies, I have Enigma 2 coming up, and there's another project that's still a secret. It's a huge project for a series, and I'd love for everyone to stay tuned. Also, there are FANCONs in other places to look forward to. Thank you.
*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.