On Nov. 4, DINO from the hit K-Pop group SEVENTEEN released an Original Soundtrack (OST) named “ICARUS” for the new Netflix K-Drama “Castaway Diva.” With a nostalgic, youthful sound, this song is bound to immerse its listeners into a coming of age daydream.

The OST opens with a short instrumental containing a beautiful combination of electric guitars, piano, and drums. DINO then comes in, singing about an immense love where one is willing to sacrifice everything for their significant other. The chorus has a dynamic composition as DINO sings sustained notes which hit pitches high and low (think of this as strong sea waves rolling onto a beach shore). The post-chorus follows a similar up and down melody. However, this part feels more bouncy, encapsulating a very optimistic sensation. Contrastingly, the verses and bridge take on a calmer route with emphasis on the piano and less strums on the electric guitar, allowing DINO’s voice to become the main focus. As the song ends, DINO belts out high notes, showing a new and more powerful side of him that fans can be pleasantly surprised to hear. Collectively, the song takes the listener on a lingering story that gradually builds up to a great outburst of passionate emotions.

“ICARUS” is DINO’s first solo project in his career. Despite being classified as just a sub vocalist in his group, DINO truly showed off his talent in this song with a strong, clear voice and great vocal range. As the youngest out of a group with 13 members, the South Korean singer definitely instilled a lot of pride in not just his fans, CARATs, but in his older members as well.

As a supporter of DINO’s for over three years, it has been so heartwarming to see the opportunities he has been given as an artist. With this OST, I felt so happy to see him show a side that he would not usually get to reveal as he is more well known for being one of SEVENTEEN’s main dancers. I continue to look forward to and support his next solo projects which are said to come out very soon.

Whenever you need a pick-me-up, I suggest listening to “ICARUS.” The song is suitable for any time of the day and feels refreshing no matter how many times you listen to it. Despite the negative image the Greek mythology of Icarus may have, DINO brings a brighter aspect of Icarus to the world with such a hopeful tune. Show some love to this young, passionate artist and come live this new journey out with him.