SEVENTEEN Dino’s Solo Debut Sparks Backlash And Protests
As the members of SEVENTEEN have enlisted, the group has expanded into more solo projects and unit activities.
The most recent duo announcement, DK X Seungkwan, made their debut in January 2026, following other duo units that had activities before their members enlisted. Of the members who have yet to enlist, only Vernon and Dino have not had a duo debut.
However, on May 10, it was announced that Dino would make his official solo debut later this year. In teasers shared on SEVENTEEN’s official accounts, it was revealed that Dino would debut under the name of his character, Picheolin.
월요초대석ㅣ'흥'의 수호자 피철인 전격 인터뷰
피철인 1st Mini Album '吉BOARD'
2026.08.03 6PM (KST) / 5AM (ET)#피철인 #Picheolin#吉BOARD #길보드 pic.twitter.com/L5grLFARiD— 세븐틴(SEVENTEEN) (@pledis_17) May 10, 2026
Picheolin originated from a VCR during the 2021 Caratland fan meeting, and is an older producer and CEO of a fictional agency, known for his comedic ways.
While many fans were amused that he would use the character as a stage name and concept for his debut, others were less than pleased. Many fans in Korea felt that his solo debut album should be released under his actual name rather than a comedic character’s name.
디노가 준비하는 첫 솔로 앨범이자 군대 들어가기 전 마지막 활동일 수도 있는 소중한 앨범이 디노의 이름과 디노라는 사람의 캐릭터성이 다 지워진채로 부캐인 “피철인” 의 이름으로만 나오는 게 싫습니다.
항상 피철인과 디노를 철저히 분리해왔던 디노였고, 디노팬들도 늘 그런 스탠스를 유지하고…
— 키타 (@alwaysdinofan) May 12, 2026
I hate that Dino’s first solo album — and possibly his last activity before enlisting — is being released only under the name of his alter ego “Pi Cheolin,” with Dino’s own name and identity completely erased from it.
Dino has always kept Pi Cheolin and himself completely separate, and Dino fans have always maintained that stance as well.
The reason we were fond of the character Pi Cheolin in the first place was because it was a character Dino personally brought to life through his own effort and talent, despite originally being nothing more than a shallow one-line character setup given to him by the production team. But the moment the company started continuously exploiting his hard work and talent to make up for their own lackluster planning, Dino fans could no longer purely say they liked the character anymore.
Because if we openly said we liked it, this complacent company would just keep using Dino only as Pi Cheolin instead of recognizing Dino himself and the incredible talent he has. And didn’t that already happen? A character created back in 2021 was still being reused in 2026, even appearing in promotional content for another unit.
No matter whose idea this mini album was, in the end, it’s still a misguided concept. An activity that should be filled with excitement and anticipation more than anything else is instead making so many people upset before it’s even begun. Do you really think this is right? […]
— OP
As a result, demands have been made towards Pledis to alter his debut, with some planning a protest truck to be sent to the company.
❌피철인 반대 트럭 총공 안내❌
이번 솔로 앨범이 피철인이 아닌 아티스트 디노의 이름으로 진행되길 요구하는 트럭 시위를 진행할 예정입니다.모금 방법은 아래 입금 폼을 통해 확인 가능하며,
디노의 이름을 되찾기 위해 많은 관심과 참여 부탁드립니다.📌 입금 폼https://t.co/ZCJBo5G1dO pic.twitter.com/oyLmw70mji
— 피철인 반대 트럭 총공계 (@dino_debut) May 14, 2026
Notice for the “No Picheolin” Protest Truck Support
We are planning to organize a protest truck demanding that this solo album be released under the name of artist Dino, not under the name “Pi Cheolin.”
Details on how to donate can be found through the payment form below.We ask for your interest and participation in helping Dino reclaim his name.
— OP
While some agree with the idea of the album being under his name, ,many fans both domestic and abroad agree that sending protest trucks would be too extreme.
protest trucks ??? over picheolin ?????? #DINOPENIS7 ????
— my my luvr 🎀 (@deergirlshua) May 14, 2026
THEY'RE SENDING TRUCKS TO HYBE BUILDING TO STOP THE PICHEOLIN ALBUM 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭DAWG WHAT THE FUCJ
— Twinkwanhui✩࿐V8🦦🕶️ (@24H_13) May 14, 2026
did anyone actually consider dn’s feelings before planning this protest truck? this might only make him overthink and doubt himself.. stop doing this to him yall don’t deserve him https://t.co/ypD51RESU7
— ña 🦦 (@eyes_on_yoon) May 14, 2026
Dino’s debut will take place on August 3, 2026, with the mini album 吉Board.
