From dance academy trainee to global pop icon: the evolution of Dino
In short: Long before he was a mainstay in Seventeen, Lee Chan was a competitive dancer training at his father's academy. His journey from winning grand prizes in Jeonju to headlining international esports anthems reveals the meticulous craftsmanship behind one of K-pop's most versatile performers.
Born in Iksan in 1999, the artist known as Dino began his career far from the spotlight of major stages. His early years were defined by the discipline of dance competitions, where he competed with the IS Crew, a group led by his father. It was during a victory at the Jeonju Youth Dance Competition that a Pledis Entertainment representative first spotted his talent, leading to his recruitment in 2012. Before his professional training, he gained early television exposure on programs like SBS's Live Today 1 and KBS's Show Power Video.
Dino's ascent was documented in real-time through 'Seventeen TV,' an online reality show on Ustream that showcased the trainees' progress. This transparency built a foundation for his official debut on May 26, 2015, with the EP '17 Carat.' Since then, he has expanded his repertoire beyond group performances, establishing himself as a solo artist, choreographer, and even a character actor. His solo discography includes the 2017 SoundCloud release '0 (Zero)' and the 2022 digital track 'High-Five.'
His versatility is evident in his diverse projects, ranging from the 'Dino's Danceology' choreography series to his solo debut single 'Wait,' released on November 27, 2023. He has even embraced a comedic alter ego, Picheolin—a 58-year-old character from the countryside—demonstrating a range that spans from high-fashion appearances at Paris Fashion Week to performing at the 2025 Esports World Cup in Riyadh. The Picheolin persona even performed at the 38th Golden Disc Awards. Additionally, he has represented global brands like Bioderma and Rimowa.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Dino (South Korean singer)
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