SEVENTEEN member DINO discusses his solo debut album, ‘吉BOARD (Gilboard)’, and the role of his comic alter ego Picheolin, a carefree 58-year-old character, in shaping the project. The release matters as it marks DINO’s attempt to define himself beyond his role in the 13-member group, while challenging narrow ideas of what a “cool” solo artist should be.

DINO says his company proposed using Picheolin from the outset, though he spent six months questioning whether to release music as the character rather than himself. The album draws on Seoul’s past street-music culture and South Korean trot, blending older influences with a contemporary approach; his research included DEUX and Lee Moon Sae, and he collaborated with senior artists linked to that era. He says those collaborations gave the album greater authenticity and a more distinct character.