Hello! Do you have data about branded pairs that start off as side pairs that successfully upgrade and lead their own series? I'm thinking about side pairs like JuniorMark, WinnySatang, and AouBoom that work together for years and multiple series. Maybe side pairs outside of GMMTV have better luck?
Side Couples Make Good
Pair branding kinda wigs me out and while I did start tracking them there just got to be too many, so I gave up, however, I do have a short list that exactly fit your criteria.
BounPrem
One of the first who I remember as a solid side couple in a BL series (Until We Meet Again) that everyone lost their minds over. They were given their own spin-off, as the same couple, Between Us. But they have also lead out Even Sun. They started with Wabi Sabi and moved to GMMTV as a pair and we should be getting a new BL from them soonish.
They are still top sponsorship holders, mostly on the back of that one Lay's potato chip. Solid work there all round, boys.
KimCop
Started in 2 Moons as the side couple that barely got anywhere but went on to have a decent pair lifespan, leading 2 seasons of Gen Y, 2 seasons of Close Friend, and then That's My Candy.
They dissolved the pair, and I, for one, will miss them, mostly because they never got to star in a quality BL and I think they could have.
MaxNat
Still active, they started as a very minor side couple in Why R U? and remained sides in Mandee projects until their 4th BL Naughty Babe. I would never have picked them as an endurance pair, but they stuck to it and it paid out for them. They have a couple new BLs in the works and they seem to have a solid working relationship.
So long as people like watching them, this is my indie pick for the tortoise pair of BL. They could do with some more brand and sponsor deals IMHO but they seem game to keep going no matter what.
TutorYim
Another Mandee pair, very very minor in Cutie Pie but everyone loved them, so they were given leads in 2 more BLs. Middleman's Love (with was a JimmyTommy project before they broke) and Battle of the Writers.
JaFirst
Now defunked, they started as a side couple in TharnType 2. However, I am not sure they meet your criteria since mame often reuses her pairs and its possible they were always intended to go on to star as the leads. They stayed with her for Don't Say No and then branched out to do Remember Me and Be Mine Superstar before dissolving the brand.
They are both still doing BL.
SalibPon
Pon had done a lot of BL before with other pairs, but he left Star Hunter for Change and was paired up with Salib and I think we are all grateful. They got their own show This Love Doesn't Have Long Beans and are now back in Pit Babe 2.
I hope they stick and we get more from them. They are one of my favorite currently active pairs.
A few that kinda fit your criteria that may surprise
I can go into the way back machine a pull a few you might not realize started as sides, ready?
OffGun
Started in Puppy Honey 1 & 2 as the side couple. Then lead BL Theory of Love as (sort of) new characters.
TayNew
Started in the 2 season Kiss series as a side couple, got to lead their own spin off in Dark Blue Kiss as that couple, then went on to do other BLs.
MaxTul
Kind of the "side" couple in Bad Romance before they went on to lead the 2 Together series. And more.
I'm not sure I count YinWar as starting as a side couple. They kind of lead out their small section of En of Love. But they are the only pair to come from that franchise to make good.
Going back over 2020 Thai BLs and earlier, I can't find other pairs who made good. So to speak. Some stayed sides for a few more shows, like MikeToptap, and ultimately left their studios and/or broke the pair.
Hope this kinda answers your question.
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