He definitely does have a backbone underneath the fluffy, and I think you're right: he most just goes with things, but he'll put his foot down about things he cares about, but not in an obvious way. I see that sometimes in the times I've seen him get angry--there is steel underneath, it just takes the right circumstances for him to show it. I actually think that's a great quality in a person, being easy going and agreeable most of the time but also knowing when to make a stand. I'm also all for him being a troll as a way of asserting, "Hey, I'm a person, not just a plastic idol for people to swoon over." I get a thrill whenever idols stand up for themselves, whether it's Heechul mouthing off or Sojun talking about her eating disorder or Amber telling someone not to be rude or anyone at all suing SM (honestly, a way to get me to love you is to sue SM. I’m more of a Changmin and Yunho kind of person, but I respect the hell out JYJ for doing what they did, not to mention Hangeng for bailing completely and ALSO ERIC OF SHINHWA LEARNING LAW SO HE COULD DEFEND THEM IN COURT. Like, that’s the hottest, most badass thing ever).

Honestly, I think the thing I’m most interested about in kpop in general is watching how people find subtle or obvious ways of resisting the system. It doesn’t want them to be human, and all the ways they keep hold of their humanity just fascinate me. I probably wouldn’t be writing fic if it weren’t for that.