Seventeen’s multi-talented youngest member, Dino, is gearing up to make a powerful solo debut under his exciting alter ego, Picheolin! Fans can mark their calendars for Monday, as Pledis Entertainment announced the drop of “Gilboard,” Picheolin’s first highly anticipated EP.
A teaser image for “Norabose (Let’s Play)” of Picheolin, an alter ego of K-pop boy group Seventeen’s member Dino / Courtesy of Pledis
“Gilboard”: A Deep Dive into ’90s Korean Street Music
“Gilboard” promises a unique journey back to the vibrant heart of 1990s Korean street music culture. The EP masterfully blends classic genres like EDM trap, city pop, and new jack swing, all infused with a distinctively Korean sense of “heung” – a term that perfectly captures spirited fun and energetic enjoyment. This isn’t just a retro tribute; it’s a reinterpretation designed to bring that iconic era to a new generation.
The very name “Gilboard” holds a fascinating story. It ingeniously combines the Chinese character for auspicious, “gil,” with the familiar English word “board,” referencing the U.S. Billboard music chart. However, its true inspiration comes from a unique ’90s grassroots music ranking system. Back then, street vendors selling bootleg cassette tapes would loudly blast popular songs through large speakers to attract passersby. The frequency with which a song was played became a tacit measure of its actual popularity, often considered a more accurate indicator than official broadcast rankings or album sales. This ingenious concept reflects the raw, authentic spirit of ’90s music culture.
Meet Picheolin: The Enthusiastic ’90s Producer
Picheolin himself is a character brimming with personality. Portrayed as an enthusiastic ’90s-style producer and the CEO of a fictional K-pop agency called Bong, this alter ego has been meticulously developed through Dino’s various engaging content and performances, offering fans a glimpse into his creative vision and range.
“Norabose” and Dino’s Artistic Vision
The lead track, “Norabose” (Let’s Play), is set to be a standout. Produced by the renowned Hitchhiker, a former member of Rollercoaster and the genius behind numerous K-pop hits, the song promises sleek, vibrant melodies paired with witty and engaging lyrics.
Dino shared his deep thought process behind the EP, stating through Pledis, “I put a lot of thought into structuring the album with genres that could effectively convey Korea’s retro vibe and full spectrum of human emotions — joy, anger, sorrow and pleasure.” He emphasized his aim to express “not just simple enjoyment, but a range of life’s emotions,” indicating a profound and heartfelt artistic endeavor. This debut is shaping up to be a deeply personal and creatively rich offering from Seventeen’s youngest, showcasing his versatility and artistic depth.
