Dino of the group SEVENTEEN has officially debuted as a solo artist under his alter-ego, Picheolin [1].
The launch marks a strategic expansion of the performer's artistic identity, allowing him to step away from his established group role to explore a distinct musical persona. This move signals a broader trend of K-pop idols diversifying their portfolios through curated alter-egos.
The debut includes the release of the title track "놀아보세 (Party Rock Rock)" [2]. The song was produced by Hitchhiker and accompanied by an official music video released on the HYBE LABELS YouTube channel [2]. The project serves as the centerpiece for his first mini-album, titled "吉BOARD" [1].
According to reports, the music video was released Aug. 3, 2024, at 6 p.m. KST [1]. The release is intended to promote the mini-album and establish the Picheolin brand as a separate entity from Dino's work with SEVENTEEN [1].
Soompi editorial said the music video was energetic, stating that Picheolin "shows how to 'Party Rock Rock'" [1]. The production emphasizes a high-energy visual style to match the track's sonic direction.
By utilizing an alter-ego, Lee Dong-woo — Dino's birth name — can experiment with genres and concepts that may differ from the collective image of his primary group. This approach allows for a targeted solo appeal while maintaining the stability of the group's existing brand. The collaboration with producer Hitchhiker further suggests a lean toward experimental or unconventional sounds for this specific project [2].
“Picheolin (SEVENTEEN's Dino) shows how to 'Party Rock Rock' in energetic MV for solo debut”
The adoption of the Picheolin persona allows Dino to mitigate the risk associated with solo ventures by framing the project as a creative experiment rather than a permanent shift in his career trajectory. By decoupling his solo identity from the SEVENTEEN brand, he can attract a niche audience interested in the specific production style of Hitchhiker and the concepts of the "吉BOARD" album without alienating the core group fanbase.
