While the world knows him as DINO from SEVENTEEN, the artist is stepping into a fresh creative chapter. On Monday, May 11, the K-pop standout revealed his debut as a new alter ego, Picheolin, announcing that his inaugural solo mini-album will be released under this vibrant persona later this summer.
According to the official announcement, the EP is titled 吉BOARD (pronounced “Gilboard”). The title pays homage to the street music culture prevalent in Korea during the 1990s, serving as a clever, playful nod to Billboard’s own charts, which historically referenced the unofficial street compilations and cassette tapes of that era.
“By blending the homophone ‘吉’ (Gil)—which signifies good fortune—with ‘BOARD,’ the project embodies Picheolin’s mission to transform streets into his personal stage, aiming to share joy and prosperity through his artistry,” the statement explained.
吉BOARD is scheduled for release on August 3. To provide fans with a glimpse into this imaginative new world, DINO dropped an accompanying album trailer today. The visually striking clip portrays Picheolin as a flamboyant, high-powered CEO and visionary producer of a fictional firm named BOMG. The narrative moves through various historical eras before landing on the present-day Picheolin, complete with a sharp blue suit and a fedora.
The teaser concludes with a reveal of the 吉BOARD title artwork, which features typography clearly inspired by the iconic Billboard logo.
This project marks a continuation of DINO’s independent musical pursuits, following previous solo tracks such as his 2023 single “Wait” and “Icarus,” which was featured in the drama Castaway Diva.
SEVENTEEN continues to dominate the global stage, having recently released the single “Tiny Light” this past February. Last year, the group—comprising JOSHUA, MINGYU, SEUNGKWAN, VERNON, S.COUPS, JEONGHAN, JUN, HOSHI, WONWOO, WOOZI, THE 8, and DK—topped the Billboard Top Album Sales chart with their fifth album, Happy Burstday. The collective is currently preparing to connect with fans during an upcoming event in Incheon, Korea, this June.
Experience the official trailer for 吉BOARD below.
