 (1).jpg)
SEVENTEEN's Dino as his alter ego Picheolin. Photo courtesy of Pledis Entertainment
SEVENTEEN member Dino debuted Monday his alter ego Picheolin through a retro-inspired album that aims to bring an uplifting mood to listeners.
The seven-track extended play (EP) is titled "吉BOARD (Gilboard)," combining the Chinese character "吉" (gil), meaning "good fortune," with the Korean word "gil," meaning "street," and the word "BOARD."
The title, label Pledis Entertainment explained in a press statement, reflects Picheolin's ambition of transforming the streets into a stage.
The EP is also built around Picheolin's desire to spread "heung," the Korean concept of joy and hype.
"I thought deeply about how to bring together genres that embody Korea’s retro sounds and the full spectrum of human emotions," Dino said.
"Embracing these themes through Picheolin allowed me to convey my sincerity with greater ease, and I wanted to deliver comforting, relatable messages to lift people up in their busy or weary daily lives," he said.
The EP's lead single "Party Rock Rock" was produced by South Korean hitmaker Hitchhiker. It blends EDM and trap beats with the explosive energy of "heung."
The accompanying music video follows Picheolin as the "Guardian of Heung" as he spreads excitement through the streets. It also features cameo appearances by choreographer Kany, as well as Dino's parents and grandmother.
The EP also features pre-release singles "Love Sick" and "Mi-cheo Mi-cheo."
Following the release, Dino is set to hold a fan concert in Seoul from August 21 to 23.
Born Lee Chan, Dino debuted as the youngest member of SEVENTEEN in 2015, helping propel the group to become one of K-pop's most commercially successful boy bands.
READ: All SEVENTEEN members renew contracts with Pledis for 2nd time
READ: SEVENTEEN’s DK, Vernon’s military enlistment dates announced
RELATED VIDEO: