SEVENTEEN’s Dino Breaks Silence On Debuting Solo Album As Pi Cheolin: Look Myself As Long Run Singer

SEVENTEEN member Dino has finally addressed the news of his upcoming solo debut as his alter ego, Pi Cheolin. While fans were excited for Dino’s long-awaited first mini-album, many were surprised and disappointed to learn the project, titled Gilboard, would not be released under his own name. The controversy intensified after a fan-shared clip of Dino explaining the decision began circulating online. In the candid statement, Dino revealed that the company initially suggested the concept while also admitted that he spent nearly six months thinking whether to take it or not.

Dino on solo debuting as Pi Cheolin

In a fan-shared clip, SEVENTEEN's Dino addressed the decision of solo debuting as Pi Cheolin. He revealed that the concept was first suggested by the company and admitted he was initially unsure about it himself. “At first, I also thought, ‘Huh? Pi Cheolin? Really?’” he shared, adding that he spent nearly six months thinking through the idea and imagining “what would I look like if I came out as Pi Cheolin?”

피철인으로 나왔으면 좋겠다. 이 앨범 제안을 받은 건 회사한테 받았었어요. 처음엔 저도 ‘어? 피철인? 진짜로’ 제가 6개월 동안 고민했던 것 같아요. 피철인으로 나왔을 때 어떨까 내 모습이? 이런 시뮬레이션을 많이 돌려봐서, 6개월 동안 그게 이어진 것 같은데.결국엔 그거였던 것 같아요.… pic.twitter.com/NXJUrbsRF9

— 키타 (@alwaysdinofan) May 31, 2026

Reflecting on the decision, SEVENTEEN’s Dino shared that after having “a lot” of conversations with the company, he began looking at the project from a long-term perspective as an artist. The idol explained that he did not want to limit himself creatively, saying he is “not someone who will be a singer for only two or three years and then quit," adding "When I looked at it in the long run, I thought it could really broaden the spectrum of who I am as a person."Dino added that taking on the Pi Cheolin persona could “broaden the spectrum” of who he is and allow him to “show something completely new.” Wanting to attempt something “other people had not done or could not do,” Dino ultimately decided to embrace the challenge and said he is now preparing for the debut “with an even stronger determination.”

About Dino's solo album

SEVENTEEN's Dino is releasing his first official solo mini-album, 吉BOARD (Gilboard), on August 3. He is releasing this project under the name Pai Cheolin, a character who is a humorous, emotional, middle-aged producer.

Meanwhile, during a recent episode of God of Communication with Na PD, SEVENTEEN revealed that members Mingyu, DK, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino will begin their military enlistment in late 2026. Following the completion of all members’ mandatory service, the group is anticipated to return together as OT13 in 2028.