1. Biography
- Real Name: Do Kyung-soo (도경수)
- Stage Name: D.O.
- Date of Birth: January 12, 1993
- Country of Origin: South Korea (Goyang, Gyeonggi Province)
- Field of Activity: Singer, Actor
- Notable for: Main vocalist of EXO, successful acting career in films and dramas
- Instagram: @d.o.hkyungsoo
2. Early Life and Background
D.O. grew up in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, where he discovered his passion for singing during elementary school. He was actively involved in his school’s choir and regularly participated in singing competitions. His journey to becoming an idol began when he won a local singing contest in middle school, which led to him auditioning for SM Entertainment. He trained for two years before his debut, during which he honed both his vocal and performance skills.
3. Career
D.O. was officially revealed as an EXO member in January 2012, debuting with the group in April 2012 with “MAMA.” As one of the main vocalists, he quickly gained recognition for his distinctive R&B-influenced vocal color and stable live performances.
His acting career began in 2014 with a supporting role in the drama “It’s Okay, That’s Love,” where his natural acting ability received immediate praise from critics and viewers alike. This led to a successful acting career parallel to his musical activities, with notable roles in films such as “Cart” (2014), “Pure Love” (2016), “My Annoying Brother” (2016), “Swing Kids” (2018), and “The Moon” (2023). His drama appearances include “Hello Monster” (2015) and “100 Days My Prince” (2018), where he took on his first leading role in a television series.
As a solo artist, D.O. released his first mini-album “Empathy” in 2021, showcasing his musical style through a collection of intimate, acoustic-driven songs. The album demonstrated his artistic direction, focusing on sincere, stripped-down arrangements that highlighted his vocal abilities.
On October 18, 2023, it was announced that D.O. would be leaving SM Entertainment and joining a new agency, Company SooSoo, established by his long-time manager Nam Kyung-soo for his personal activities. However, he will continue his activities as an Exo member with SM Entertainment.
4. Style and Influence
D.O.’s vocal style is characterized by his rich, soulful tone and precise control. He is particularly known for his ability to convey emotion through his singing, with a style that draws influence from R&B and soul music. His live performances are noted for their stability and emotional depth.
As an actor, he has built a reputation for his natural, understated performing style, earning respect from the film industry and helping to break down prejudices against idol-actors. His successful transition between music and acting has set a standard for other idol-actors to follow.
5. Personal Life/Dating News/Rumors
D.O. is known for being one of the more private members of EXO, maintaining a low profile outside of his professional activities. He does not maintain personal social media accounts, preferring to focus on his work as a singer and actor. No official relationships have been publicly confirmed throughout his career.
6. Scandals/Controversies
Throughout his career, D.O. has maintained a notably clean image with very few controversies. His professional approach to both his music and acting careers, combined with his private nature, has helped him avoid major scandals. The few minor misunderstandings that have occurred have typically been quickly resolved through official statements from his agency.
7. Achievements and Awards
D.O.’s achievements span both the music and film industries. As a member of EXO, he has contributed to the group’s numerous awards and records, including multiple Daesang (Grand Prize) awards at major Korean music awards shows.
His acting career has garnered significant recognition:
- Best New Actor nomination at the 51st Baeksang Arts Awards for “It’s Okay, That’s Love”
- Popular Actor Award at the 2016 Blue Dragon Film Awards
- Excellence Award for his role in “100 Days My Prince” at the 2018 Korea Drama Awards
His debut solo mini-album “Empathy” (2021) demonstrated strong commercial success while receiving praise for its musical direction and vocal performances. The album topped iTunes charts in numerous countries and showcased his artistic vision.
His filmography has been particularly impressive for an idol-actor, with several of his films receiving both critical acclaim and commercial success. “My Annoying Brother” and “Swing Kids” particularly highlighted his range as an actor, while “The Moon” (2023) established him as a leading man in major film productions.
Within the entertainment industry, D.O. is respected for his professionalism and dedication to both his music and acting careers. He has successfully balanced group activities with EXO, solo music projects, and an active acting career, establishing himself as a multi-talented entertainer who excels in multiple fields.
His influence extends beyond his performances, as he has become a role model for aspiring idol-actors, demonstrating how to successfully maintain dual careers while earning respect in both fields. His achievements have helped pave the way for other idols looking to expand their careers into acting, showing that it’s possible to excel in both areas with sufficient dedication and talent.
