@atmospheres
‚There is no set definition, but in China idol drama is usually a show that has at least one traffic actor or liuliang (btw TJC is considered somewhat of a liuliang, mid-tier level), xianxias and romance-centric or romcom modern dramas are almost always idol dramas serious actors don't do them, and usually a web only series not broadcast on actual Chinese television channels. I'm hoping his career will somewhat follow the path of Zhu Yilong's where he found a lot of popularity later in his career and in his 30s after over a decade of toiling in supporting roles (ironically Zhu Yilong found this fame through a low budget BL drama Guardian, which BL is now hard banned so TJC's Winner Is King will most likely never air), did a couple of romance dramas (including a famous one Story of Minglan), and then almost completely transitioned into movies with the occasional serious drama, and he is now a critically acclaimed award-winning highly respected and famous serious actor known by the general public not just fandom.‘
I‘m so torn now, because on one hand I wish him a great carreer and future in c-net, but if he starts doing more serious dramas/movies, which are mostly not readily available for international audience (not subbed in english), then that mean less TJC on my screen 😢. Well whatever career trajectory he chooses, I hope he gets the success he deserves.
Btw there was a rumor that Tencent tried to reshoot/re-editing Winner is King to tone down the BL aspect and make the story more political heavy to be able to release it. I don‘t know if this is true or only wistful thinking from fans🤔. Does anyone hear anything about this?