COSMOPOLITAN JUN issue 2026 (SEVENTEEN DINO INTERVIEW)

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- This is your first solo cover shoot in Korea. What was on your mind as you stood in front of the camera?
First of all, today feels a little different from the editorials I’ve done before, doesn’t it? There’s another person appearing in the shoot with me as well. (Laughs) I’m really curious about how it’s all going to turn out, and I have a feeling it’s going to be a very cool pictorial.

- Have you been dancing since you were very young? As someone who has now spent more than 10 years promoting with SEVENTEEN, it seems like dance has become an innate part of your life.

Now, dance feels to me like a spoon or chopsticks that I need every time I eat. It’s become so ingrained in my body that I can hardly even remember when I first learned how to dance. To me, it’s an irreplaceable joy.

- People often say that something you truly love should remain a hobby. There are moments when love turns into pain. Is Dino no exception to this?

Of course. There was a time when dancing was no longer enjoyable for me. Back then, I was quite shocked myself. I thought, “This is what I love and what I should be doing, so why am I feeling this way?” Looking back now, I think it was because I had become too ambitious about dance. To some extent, you have to know how to let go. That became the turning point where I decided to accept dance as it is. And after that, dancing became much more enjoyable than before.

- Did dance make you look back on yourself? Did it bring about a shift in your perspective?
That’s true. Not only did my thinking change, but I think I also looked more deeply into the way I viewed dance. I reflected on why I wanted to dance in the first place. In the past, I simply wanted to be the best dancer in the world. But now, I strongly feel, “As long as dancing is fun, that’s enough!” I believe that mindset will ultimately give me the strength to keep dancing for much longer.

- Can you recall the moment when dancing felt the most enjoyable?
When I successfully brought a movement I had imagined in my head into reality! When I dance exactly as I had envisioned it and then look at myself, I think, “This is it!” (Laughs)

- As an artist, what kind of dance does Dino aspire to pursue?

I want to perform dances that bring a sense of pleasure to those watching. What’s really interesting is that most people around me can sing at least a little. But for some reason, many people are afraid of dancing. That doesn’t make me think people dislike dancing. There’s even the phrase “dance within oneself.” I believe everyone has a desire to feel excitement in their hearts and express it. I want to help relieve that longing, even just a little, through me, and I believe I can do that.

- Listening to you, Dino, I can sense a certain mission in your words.

I really hope people won’t feel intimidated by dance. I hope it can feel more natural to them. That was also one of the ideas behind presenting the persona “Picheolin” in my upcoming album. No matter how off-beat my movements may be, if I hear a song, feel excited, and start moving my body, then I believe that’s Picheolin. I wanted to convey that message.

- It sounds like this could also become an opportunity to soften existing perceptions. Tell us more.

I think I’ve taken another look at what “beauty” really means. Up until now, what I’ve shown as an idol has been very appealing, and those were things I was capable of doing. But beauty is not limited to the image that many people think of. If someone were to ask, “What is beauty?” they would probably imagine something “pretty” or “handsome.” While there is certainly genuine beauty in that, I believe true beauty can also be found in being imperfect. In a way, that may be a uniquely Korean sense of beauty as well. I feel that the charm of K-pop today may also stem from those roots. For more than six months, I spent time researching and studying how to adapt that original beauty to the modern era and shape it into something that resonates globally.

-Why did you want the focus of your first solo album to be Picheolin rather than Dino?

Because I thought the character Picheolin would allow me to showcase a wider and more diverse spectrum of musicality. I also wanted to challenge myself with things I had never tried before. Staying in one place feels even more frightening. I wanted to throw myself into something new and see what would happen.

- It sounds like you spent time reflecting on yourself beyond simply making an album.
That’s right. I learned so much while creating this album. Normally, when I looked up other singers’ performances or listened to music, I never really thought about music from the 1970s and 1980s. But this album led me to explore it, and I loved it. I could really feel the richness and sincerity that came from the music of that era.

- Through the things you’ve said over the years, one impression stands out: someone constantly trying to understand himself. As an artist and as a person, you seem deeply devoted to examining who you are. The Dino speaking with us today gives the same impression. How closely does that match reality?
I’m extremely meticulous, thoughtful, and someone who worries a lot. (Laughs) There’s something I’ve done habitually since I was young—I monitor myself a lot. There were times when I did it even more obsessively than I do now. That’s because the way I see myself and the way the audience sees me are obviously different. There’s a saying, “Know yourself.” I think that’s the most important thing. Since it became a habit, I naturally developed the attitude of observing myself as if I were another person. It might sound odd, but these days many people don’t really know themselves very well. I think everyone needs time to get to know who they are. That’s how life becomes richer and more multifaceted. For that kind of life, I’ve consistently studied myself.

- I’m curious—what kind of person is Dino in Dino’s own eyes?
I’m a contradictory person. In other words, I want to sing and dance on a huge stage in front of countless fans, but at the same time, in my personal life, I prefer staying at home. (Laughs) There are two sides to me that coexist. Sometimes I think I’m the kind of person who wants to clearly separate my “ON” and “OFF” modes. Of course, if I had to choose only one, I would unquestionably choose the stage.

- How similar—or different—are Dino and Lee Chan?

I think Dino is someone who receives a lot of love from the members, sometimes lightens the mood with humor, and knows how to take the lead when needed. Lee Chan isn’t like that. He’s a quiet person, serious every day. So when I was younger, I think I often wanted to become more like Dino. (Laughs) Whenever I was by myself, I would constantly talk to myself and spend a lot of time worrying about how to improve myself. I was also very mindful of the people around me, and because of that, I became someone who was careful with both words and actions.

- I imagine those opposite sides of you influence one another as well.
Yes. I think they naturally blended together as I grew up and gained more social experience, and I like that.

 

- Among the traits that make up “Dino,” what do you personally like most about yourself?
My ability to empathize with people’s feelings. I think that’s one of my strengths. When I hear someone’s story, I can feel and relate to it as if I had gone through it myself. Because of that, I’m also able to let things go more easily. I know how to look closely at details, and I can talk about them as well. In fact, the members sometimes come to me and share their concerns.

- You’re a dependable youngest member. I really liked something Dino once said: “Even when you feel like giving up, you just do it. That’s what moves my heart.” I’d like to ask what has been moving your heart these days.

It’s definitely my work. Especially this album—it’s what moves my heart the most right now. One thing I’ve realized for sure this time is that I’m someone who truly loves the sense of achievement that comes from creating something. Of course, there are moments during the process when I feel stressed, but the feeling of completion—the sense that I actually did it—is always wonderful. It’s like the satisfaction you feel after assembling an entire LEGO set. Right now, all I can think about is wanting people to hear this album as soon as possible. I was genuinely excited throughout the entire process of working on it.

- Did you notice how brightly your expression lit up just now?

I didn’t realize I was that kind of person... but I was truly happy. I think this album may surprise some people because it contains a number of bold attempts, and it may even catch them off guard. But through these promotions, I hope to give people not only smiles, but also something moving. I’m very curious and excited to see how this challenge will ultimately turn out.

SHORT INTERVIEW WITH PICHEOLIN

- What is the concept of Picheolin’s first album?

As you go through life, there are a lot of difficult things and a lot of stress, right? Then there are fewer and fewer days when you can truly have fun. I want to awaken the joy, excitement, and passion that are sleeping somewhere deep inside your heart. That’s exactly the motto of my life. Even if life is busy and exhausting, let’s still enjoy living it. This album will be filled with that spirit..

- This sounds like an album that perfectly reflects Picheolin! How are you preparing for it?
I worked with a very famous producer. Ah~ he’s really good. I learned a lot from him. He brought out the energy I already have very well, and I’m really satisfied with it. At the same time, this isn’t just an album full of excitement. It also contains my own stories and many things that people can relate to. In short, you can think of it as an album packed with restorative energy!

- Could you give us a little spoiler for “Chunsoi”?
It’s way cooler than you think! I don’t know what you’re imagining right now, but it’s even cooler than that, so you’ll be very surprised.

- What are Picheolin’s dreams and ambitions?

Rather than having grand goals, I simply hope a lot of people will listen to this song. There are countless genres in the world, and there are so many songs, right? If people can enjoy this song for what it is and relate to it, I couldn’t ask for anything more.