“Win is a person who can always read the room and never tries to steal others’ spotlight so he could be the only centre of attention,” – @nantoqa.
Fans of Win Metawin Opas-iamkajorn have been paying very close attention. Within his realm of highly rated television series, glossy editorials and unserious TikTok posts that rack up millions of views, what Snowballpowers (what his fans are endearingly known as) have for him is more than just casual affinity, a little crush. Evident from how they speak of him online, what they see in Win goes beyond his boyish charms and princely demeanour. There is a sentiment of closeness that resembles looking past a good friend’s exterior when you talk about them. Dressed in Prada’s Spring/Summer ’25, a collection that plays on the ideas of truth and artifice — where details of what is real and unreal are only revealed up close — there is a form of order that makes up part of Win’s winning strategy.
From the surreal settings of Milan Fashion Week to sold-out fan meets, it is easy to place idols like Win on a pedestal. While it is more often to observe him only from the nosebleeds of a concert hall or behind a barricade in a crowded mall, we cannot talk about his present stardom without acknowledging his gradual progression.
“You have never carried your fame to show off, you’re always so humble and kind. That’s why we are so proud to stan you!” – @havenbbw.
The meteoric rise of Win has been attributed to being at the right place at the right time, doing the right thing. Having debuted in the hit series 2gether in 2020, Win was able to ride on the massive resurgence of BL drama at a time when fantasy was a much-needed respite as the world was in lockdown mode. To non-fans, the genre has been disregarded as a form of lighthearted entertainment that requires little technicality besides a strong face card to make an impression, but those in the know… well, know how much more it would take for actors to sustain themselves in the competitive space and eventually break out into more mainstream projects.
A strong headstart in a breakout role without constant reinvention only makes you a one-hit wonder. Win’s roles in the Thai adaptation of East Asian classics Boys Over Flowers, Scarlet Heart and My ID is Gangnam Beauty serve as strategic progression that mirrors the greats who have played the roles prior — embodying the charm and acting chops that garnered a cult-like following. The palpable chemistry between him and his co-stars served the right amount of realism to ground his work as something entirely believable.
Are you born a star, or moulded into one with a gradual development towards finetuning your craft? While Win has always possessed an It factor that has captured hearts across his roles as Tine (2gether), Kavin (F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers) and Parin (Under Parallel Skies), there is a discernible level of improvement as his filmography expands.
“Prepare to laugh, cry, and feel all the killing vibes with Janella Salvador’s endearing performance and Win Metawin’s impressive acting growth. Under Parallel Skies beautifully portrays Filipino and Thai cultures under the vibrant backdrop of Hong Kong.” — media blog Oppa Is Life.
Two decades ago, idols in a group setting had a loosely designated role — visual, rapper, dancer — based on their strong suits. Today, the scope of a bonafide artist seems to encapsulate beyond the fundamental skills of acting, singing and dancing into newer, more dynamic skills like live-streaming and content creation to solidify their presence. Having received criticisms on his vocal abilities in the past, Win’s strategy is to defy and come back stronger. In his last release, Night Ride, it was clear that Win went back to the drawing board and channelled his energy towards bettering his skills. With a mix of atmospheric grooves and glittering visuals, the track was an updated look into his musical artistry that feels more aligned with his evolving creative identity.
“Metawin is an example of being open to receiving feedback. Vocals skills between then and now are very different, I see that he’s always improving,” – @selectorck.
Having confessed to doubling his English lessons the last time he spoke to Men’s Folio, it is clear that Win plans to make his mark on an audience that expands beyond the places his passport has been stamped. The results have not gone unnoticed, too.
“I love listening to Win when he speaks in English during interviews. He answers clearly and intelligently, especially with his cute accent. This is a plus point for him to achieve more international projects, and maybe in the future he will land roles in Hollywood,” – @loub6936.
Other fans have also pointed out how much they enjoy Win’s press interviews as he has demonstrated a sense of ease over the years.
Souri and Velence, Win’s confectionary and clothing ventures, are imbued with a blend of charisma and grit, a personal touch — and a closer look at Win Metawin, the individual. They do not just sell because of his namesake attached to these ventures but because they are tangible extensions of him outside the characters he portrays. As a Prada Ambassador, Win introduces his audience to another facet of his artistic expression where garments that were once observed and consumed within a closed-off community are now seen by millions. The clothes adorned on him now possess a spirit of realism that models and mannequins in stylised settings lack.
“Thank you for choosing Win Metawin to be a part of the Prada family. We are very proud of him and were very surprised when he did something new with Prada, which opened up a new world of Prada for us. Please support him. Love you, Win,” – @wangenqichibi1714.
In ways that contrast a conventional influencer, what makes Win endlessly alluring and influential in fashion comes down to the level of mystique he maintains. Since there is so little known about his personal life, what he wears and consumes become tangible objects that symbolise closeness — even if we have never met, it feels like we share something in common.
Having just turned 26, Win’s momentum continues. What started as a genuine pursuit of entertaining others has evolved into being in a spot to help others feel a little less lonely, a little more loved, and a lot more seen — even if you have never had a conversation in person.
“Every day when I am watching you I challenge myself to be a better me, your heart is just as big and special as your talent. You are a kind, humble and generous person. Happy birthday!” @LMetawin4ever.
Perhaps what keeps Win going is faith in knowing the fantasy he narrates helps his fans stay in touch with their reality.
“Happy Birthday Khun Win. Supporting you has been a journey of growth and self-discovery, and I’m truly grateful for everything you’ve unknowingly done for me. Wishing you all the happiness and success you deserve,” – @terwmn_
Photography Jeremy Qin
Creative Direction & Styling Izwan Abdullah
Fashion Coordination & Production (Bangkok) Manfred Lu
Grooming Yothin Chuaysri
Hair Akkarapong Punkaew
Styling & Production Assistant Ratchada Tuptimphet
Set Design Yukon Boonprasart
Photographer’s EP Sakura Y.Zhi
Photographer’s Producer Eo
1st AC Kang Yaimin
2nd AC Tony Song
Photographer’s Assistant Ijo Jiang
Photographer’s EP Assistant Raquel Qiao
Retouching Adora
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