Although this doesn't prove anything I just want to share it since these are his words from an interview a few weeks ago.
“I opened my eyes and the title ‘Hallyu/Handsome Star’ came up so I tried to break the image. breaking it down and rebuilding it is process of creating a new self. this kind of work takes a lot of time, sacrifices and pain, but I'm going through these challenges because I want to develop”
“I've found a direction to move forward while expanding my acting career. If you repeat what you've been doing, you can't help but reach the limit. There is a possibility of development only when you keep taking risks and challenging”
“I'm almost forty (laughs) I don't want to stay in my youth appearance, I want to give out a color that suits my age. If you want to be a good actor for a long time, you have to put down a lot of things on your own and constantly work hard and study."
Tbh I get what you’re saying—he hasn’t had a worldwide hit but that’s something he could’ve achieved if it was his goal. Just look at the recent most popular dramas—they all share similar themes like romance, marriage, rich ceo’s, etc… But it seems like jcw isn’t chasing that specifically, ofc he wouldn’t mind his works becoming worldwide hits but his focus seems to be on establishing himself as a reliable skilled actor. No matter the project he wants people to trust his performance when they watch—at least that’s what I think after reading his recent interviews and everything.
I never implied you were a hater not even a bit but you assumed I think you are—maybe that idea was already in your mind which is something for you to sort out. Anyway jcw is pursuing the roles he’s always wanted, ones he couldn’t take on when he was younger and he’s succeeding at it. If you don’t like the scripts just say that instead of framing it like something’s wrong with his choices
last time i remember there were 2 girls who liked the ML.. i stop reading it when i caught up to the chapters and it's been a long time so idk if he ended up liking one of the girls but no romance
“I opened my eyes and the title ‘Hallyu/Handsome Star’ came up so I tried to break the image. breaking it down and rebuilding it is process of creating a new self. this kind of work takes a lot of time, sacrifices and pain, but I'm going through these challenges because I want to develop”
“I've found a direction to move forward while expanding my acting career. If you repeat what you've been doing, you can't help but reach the limit. There is a possibility of development only when you keep taking risks and challenging”
“I'm almost forty (laughs) I don't want to stay in my youth appearance, I want to give out a color that suits my age. If you want to be a good actor for a long time, you have to put down a lot of things on your own and constantly work hard and study."