The group's SEVENTEEN's 'all-around maknae' Dino once again proves an unlimited musical spectrum with a bold 'buca (alter ego)' move.
Picheolin, Dino's buca alter ego, releases his first mini album '吉BOARD (Gilboard)' today (3rd) at 6 p.m. This new release is an album that reinterprets a variety of genres from EDM trap to city pop and new jack swing with Korea's distinct festive sensibility. In particular, Dino is attracting global fans' attention by taking on the fresh challenge of launching the first official 'buca album' by a K-pop idol.
The music video teaser for the title track 'Nolabose (prod. Hitchhiker),' unveiled on the 2nd, captured the essence of Picheolin's 'Korean rave,' in which everyone, regardless of generation or gender, becomes one through excitement. Leading the massive festival scene as the 'guardian of excitement,' Picheolin's cheerful energy, along with a surprise appearance in the main video by world-renowned choreographer Kany and popular creator Ralral's buca character 'Lee Myung-hwa,' raised expectations for the full release to a peak.
The following is a Q&A with Dino.
Q. How do you feel ahead of the Picheolin album release?
Dino: I am very nervous and excited. I'm curious how many people will listen to '吉BOARD.' I want to let everyone hear all the songs as soon as possible.
Q. What was the most important point when composing the album?
Dino: Overall, I think I worried a lot about composing it in genres that could well capture Korea's retro and the emotions of joy, anger, sorrow and pleasure. I tried to express various life emotions that contain not just simple fun but also excitement and spirit.
Q. You have your name on the credits for all the tracks; how was the work process?
Dino: It was very enjoyable. Even heavy topics felt easier to approach through Picheolin. That allowed me to put sincerity into the music. I worked a lot and laughed a lot with producer Beomgu Hyung, and we had fun creating it.
Q. The lineup of contributors is glamorous.
Dino: First, I was honored to work with such excellent senior artists. I once again express my deep respect and gratitude to them. I think 'Really (prod. Lee Hyun-do of DEUX)' became a song that spans generations thanks to senior Lee Hyun-do's producing. It was also an opportunity for me to learn a lot musically from him. The song 'There is no painless parting (narr. Lee Moon-sae)' seems to have been completed as a drama through senior Lee Moon-sae's narration.
Q. What kind of song is the title track 'Nolabose (prod. Hitchhiker)'?
Dino: It's the song that best contains Picheolin's philosophy and is Picheolin-esque. Producer Hitchhiker created a refined and flashy track in which witty lyrics and the music blended well. From the first time I heard it I thought, 'This is it!' Picheolin's characteristic cheeky charm and free-spirited energy will show in the performance, so please look forward to it!
Q. You previewed the new song first through stages such as KBS1's 'National Singing Contest.'
Dino: As Picheolin I wanted to come across as familiar to many people. I thought about what method would be best and chose the 'stage.' In keeping with the meaning of '吉BOARD,' I wanted to share Picheolin's music and the joys and sorrows within it with many people. When I watch performances by seniors active in the 1970s and 1980s, I feel the artist's freedom and individuality. I prepared the stage with the desire to express myself more freely like that.
Q. What image did you want to show or what message did you want to convey through Picheolin?
Dino: I wanted to challenge a concept I had never tried before. I wanted to show a fresh side that only I can express. I hope '吉BOARD' can be joy, empathy and comfort for busy, painful and sometimes weary daily life, and for myself I hope it remains another growth and boldness.
Q. Why do you continue to pursue challenges, including a 'buca' debut?
Dino: Rather than seeking comfort, I have collided with and challenged new things, and I felt a lot that I grow through that process. I also tend not to prefer staying in one place. Even within familiarity, I think I constantly worry and challenge myself to find newness.
Q. What would you like to say to fans?
Dino: The driving force behind my challenges is CARAT (fan club name). I always think of CARATs when I imagine the stage or create something. Even if situations and environments change, even if a long time passes, the reason for my existence is CARATs. I am truly grateful and love you for always cherishing and loving me.
[Photo] PLEDIS Entertainment Co. (HYBE)
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