Seventeen’s Dino Unveils Alter Ego Picheolin with Debut EP “Gilboard”
Seoul, South Korea – Get ready, Carats and K-Pop fans, because Seventeen’s youngest powerhouse, Dino, is about to unleash a brand new era! Pledis Entertainment has officially announced that Dino will make his highly anticipated debut as his alter ego, “Picheolin,” with the release of his first EP, “Gilboard,” this Monday. This isn’t just any solo venture; it’s a deep dive into the vibrant heart of 1990s Korean street music culture, reinterpreted with a fresh, modern twist.
“Gilboard”: A Fusion of Retro Sounds and “Heung”
“Gilboard” is set to be an auditory journey, blending exhilarating EDM trap, smooth city pop, and classic new jack swing genres. Each track promises to be infused with a distinctively Korean sense of “heung” – that untranslatable feeling of spirited fun, joy, and excitement that’s central to Korean culture. This unique blend aims to capture the essence of a bygone era while showcasing Dino’s multifaceted artistry.
The EP’s intriguing title, “Gilboard,” is a clever fusion of the Chinese character for auspicious, “gil,” and the familiar English word “board” from the legendary U.S. Billboard music chart. But it’s more than just a catchy name; it’s a nostalgic nod to a tacit ’90s music ranking system. Back then, the true indicator of a song’s popularity wasn’t official charts, but how often street vendors selling bootleg cassette tapes blared a track through massive speakers to attract passersby. This grassroots ranking was considered a far more accurate barometer of a song’s actual resonance with the public than any official broadcast tally or album sales figure. It truly captured the pulse of the streets.
This photo provided by Pledis Entertainment shows Seventeen’s Dino as his alter ego “Picheolin.” (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Meet Picheolin: The ’90s Producer Behind the Sound
Stepping into the world of “Picheolin,” fans will discover an enthusiastic ’90s-style producer, complete with the role of CEO for a fictional K-pop agency named Bong. This meticulously crafted character has been building anticipation through Dino’s various content and performances, allowing fans to gradually immerse themselves in Picheolin’s unique universe. It’s a testament to Dino’s creativity and commitment to world-building that goes beyond just music.
“Norabose” and Dino’s Emotional Vision
The lead track, “Norabose” (which translates to “Let’s Play”), is already generating buzz. Produced by the legendary Hitchhiker – a former member of Rollercoaster and the genius behind countless K-pop hits – “Norabose” is described by Pledis as a track that pairs sleek, vibrant melodies with witty, engaging lyrics. It’s expected to be the perfect introduction to Picheolin’s energetic and retro sound.
Dino himself expressed his dedication to the project, stating through his agency, “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 added that his aim was to express “not just simple enjoyment, but a range of life’s emotions,” promising an album that is both fun and deeply resonant. With “Gilboard,” Dino is not just debuting an alter ego; he’s inviting us to experience a rich tapestry of sound, culture, and emotion.
