atmospheres:
I think LMLMV was chosen by TJC with the best of intentions, I think he liked the idea of playing a character where he could use and show his vocal skills more and he also chose it as fanservice to the portion of the fandom who want him to play the first male lead in a romance-centric idol drama.
I can see why he would pick this drama; it does allow him to showcase his voice-acting and singing ability. It's a bit of a unique topic in dramaland. It's just unfortunate that the accompanying romance was so lacklustre.
atmospheres:
Personally, I don't really think he suits idol romance roles and I don't find him as interesting or fun to watch in that kind of presentation. I think he's better at playing edgier, dark-sided characters struggling with their morality/psychological issues.
He doesn't have quite the vibe to suit the modern idol romance ML, and these stories and characters are devoid of any actual thoughtful nuances. They are the fast-food of dramaland; serve their purpose, but don't have much nutritious value. I watch dramas mostly for entertainment and to de-stress so do enjoy these kinds of mindless dramas, but some are palatable, others not so much. I watched a few episodes of the recent WHedi and BaiLu modern drama and the stupid was too much for me to take :-).
I can see him in a modern romance drama that leans more adult similar to his friend Han DongJun recent Fake It Till You Make It. But yes, darker, edgier characters would be great to see from him.
atmospheres:
Now, if TJC could get some scripts like the role Zhang Linghe had in Story of Kunning Palace, that would be a decent compromise.
I didn't like Story of Kuning Palace much because I felt that there was potential for a meaty, dark revenge drama with twisted characters that they didn't take advantage of. Instead, they went the safe, easy route and leaned into the idol romance drama tag, complete with garish-looking costumes and lighting :-). I think I was expecting too much since the trailer looked promising.
But no doubt that TJC would have been able to do that ML justice. Zhang Linghe's acting in that was not subtle at all. You can tell from a mile away that he was up to no good. The constant glaring and bulging eyes and clenched jaws.
Overall I hope that TJC will balance idol-ish dramas with grittier fares - I do need my mindless entertainment :-). Just hopefully they won't be as dull as Love My Voice. And more costume dramas; he looks prettier in costumes and I am shallow ;-).
Which one of his upcoming dramas are you looking forward to? And have you heard of any other dramas that he's rumoured to be in? I see "melons" sometimes on Facebook, but don't know which ones are more likely and credible.