Hidden Agenda (2023) is a Thai BL series where love begins with calculations but ends with the heart. It tells the story of the complex emotions of university years, the fine line between friendship and flirting, and the unhideable plans of the heart. The plot: Zo makes a plan to take revenge on his friend Joke’s ex-girlfriend. However, this plan will unexpectedly open the door to real feelings and love.
The fact that the actors of the series are the “JoongDunk” duo causes the actors to somewhat overshadow the plot, I can say. As you know, they are quite popular “idol” actors. The series has a story starting with opposite characters and a bit of enmity. Should you choose and watch this series among countless BL series? Let’s look at the answer to this question.
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Hidden Agenda (2023) Plot and Synopsis
The campus, university-themed youth story will not only offer you a love narrative. It also has a story about finding oneself, discovering one’s feelings; loyalty, and friendship.
Public administration and political science student Zo harbors romantic feelings for a girl named Nita but just cannot open up to her. Joke, whom the highly popular Nita used to date, suddenly appears.
Zo does not have many friends other than his best friends, the gay couple Jeng and Pok. Staying alone in the dorm and keeping to himself, Zo suddenly finds Joke in front of him. Joke is both a threat and a rival for Zo. He is the previous boyfriend of the girl he loves. (Here you will encounter a complex relationship. It’s like everyone is each other’s ex…)
Joke follows Zo like a shadow. A complete enemies-to-lovers relationship will begin between the two. While two opposite characters clash with each other, on the other hand, Zo controls his feelings; is he really in love with Nita? Does he like her, or does he just have mixed feelings?
As the series continues with the pushing and shoving and fights of the duo, they will start to understand each other after a point. I know you have watched this theme dozens of times, it might sound a bit cliché. Towards the finale, Zo will realize his feelings and understand who he truly loves. The relationship between Joke and Nita will be revealed to be fake. Meanwhile, the dangerous guy Poom, who comes between them, will cause problems. In the finale, the duo will get what they want, don’t worry.
The characters in the subplot, Jeng and Pok, also have their relationship and loyalty tested as a gay couple. Even though their devotion to each other is briefly damaged, love and forgiveness will solve everything. There is a subplot in the series. I always like subplots as much as the main plot; sometimes I enjoy watching subplots more. Having two stories here is also very good.
Hidden Agenda (2023) Review and Comments
Hidden Agenda is a nice, perhaps snackable youth BL series. Even if it doesn’t leave a huge mark on your mind, the character chemistry and harmony are good. With their opposite characters, Zo and Joke both establish balance and make us laugh with sweet competition and bickering. The conflict formed by Zo’s mixed feelings and his struggle on the path of self-discovery, and Joke’s confident and certain feelings will ensure the emergence of true love. The character harmony is very good. You will definitely find the “sweet and cute” relationship you want.
On the other hand, the series is a bit long; even though the chemistry between the duo is perfect, having more fighting and clashes of opposite poles than necessary in some episodes is tiring. What you call a BL should be short and untiring. On the other hand, the episodes featuring Zo’s mother and family home unnecessarily prolong the story.
Joke and Zo’s relationship is a transformation process where a “sentimentality starting with logic” gradually deepens. The contrast between Joke’s controlling nature and Zo’s emotional openness forms the main tension of the series. Generally, it has a fun, sometimes thought-provoking, and sometimes “sweet” story.
Taking another look at the subplot; the tension that starts over loyalty and jealousy between the duo Jeng and Pok is also just right. This duo also adds color to the drama as a secondary gay couple. It is outside the love between Medicine and Mechanical Engineering, which is a cliché of the drama BL universe. Again, it has a presentation outside the typical school campus productions where everyone walks around in school uniforms everywhere, which I hate the most. This time, you will encounter departments like International Relations. And a calmer school environment and more natural characters will be waiting for you. Those screaming fans boggle the mind. 🙂
Other BL series where you can see the “JoongDunk” duo: other series where you will watch the chemistry and harmony of the beloved duo.
Hidden Agenda Series Details
Hidden Agenda – Original Title: วาระซ่อนเร้น (2023), A 12-episode BL series telling about emotional and internal transformations of the characters, and their adventures of discovering their feelings. Novel adaptation: Book: Wara Son Ren (วาระซ่อนเร้น) author: Dezair. Where to Watch: You can watch it on GMMTV Youtube. For More Info: You can check the MyDramaList site.
Cast and Characters
- Joong Archen Aydin – Joke: A charismatic young man who knows what he wants but prefers to hide his feelings. His planned approach will turn into sincere love over time.
- Dunk Natachai Boonprasert – Zo: Pure, sincere, and emotional. Initially seeing love as a game, he will learn to know his own heart in the process.
- Lookjun Bhasidi Petchsutee – Nita: Zo’s ex-girlfriend, the trigger of the events.
- Aou Thanaboon Kiatniran – Joke’s friend: Adds energy and warmth to the story with his humorous side, and also supports the development of the main characters.
