Ultimate EXO fan? Boost your tremendous knowledge about D.O.

EXO is a global sensation. The K-pop group has released several hit albums and singles, and much of their success has to do with the charisma of their individual members. D.O. is one of the main vocalists in the group, and he’s commonly regarded as one of the most talented. That said, there’s still plenty about D.O. that fans don’t know. The multi-faceted star completed his mandatory military service in 2021, so we thought it’d be the perfect time to give a refresher on his personal and professional life.

Singing competition success

D.O. was born Doh Kyung-soo on January 12, 1993. He attended Baekseok High School in South Korea, and it was here that he developed his love for performing. He beatboxed and formed a group with another future K-pop star, BTOB‘s Hyunsik, during this time. D.O. was approached by SM Entertainment after winning a local singing competition in 2010, and he passed the audition on his first try. KoreaBoo claimed that D.O. continued to attend school after his successful audition and neglected to tell any of his friends that he was on his way to stardom. In fact, none of his friends knew until he completed his two years of training and debuted as a member of EXO in 2012. His life hasn’t been the same since. D.O. was the eighth member added to EXO, and he played a large role in the group’s 2012 release Mama. He sang on several of the tracks and even shared lead vocals on the single “Miracles in December”.

Acting career

D.O. made his acting debut in 2014. He appeared in a secondary role in the drama Cart, and provided solo music for the film’s soundtrack. It would mark the beginning of D.O.’s second career, and one that he had reportedly considered since he was a child. “Although I started out as a singer, I have always thought of trying my hand at acting,” he explained to Yonhap News Agency. “I am really grateful for people talking highly of my acting, but I think I still have a long way to go. I tend to learn [how to act] through my experiences shooting scenes. It’s a totally different genre. I had to start from scratch.” D.O. has only increased his profile as an actor with acclaimed performances in projects like My Annoying Brother and Be Positive (both 2016). The former earned him an award for Best New Actor at the Blue Dragon Film Awards, while the latter became the most watched K-drama series of all time. Post-military projects include Bad Prosecutor in 2022, The Moon in 2023, and The Manipulated in 2025. He also earned Most Popular Actor at the Baeksang Arts Awards and was selected by the Korean Film Council among top 200 actors representing Korean cinema.

Hobbies & passions

When he’s not singing or acting, D.O. is probably cooking. Amino reported that the pop star loves to work in the kitchen, and if he had not become famous he would have liked to have gotten a job as a chef. He allegedly makes meals for the other members of EXO when they are not touring. D.O. is notoriously clean, and is known for keeping his dorm spotless when he is touring with the other members of the group. He’s also a fan of the American R&B singer Bruno Mars, citing the Mars-Travis McCoy single “Billionaire” as one of his favorite songs of all time. During military service he served as a culinary specialist, and he maintains a reputation for fan charity work and a grounded public image.

Dating desires

D.O. has also been forthright about his desire for romance. He told Soompi that he truly wants to find someone to date, but that his music and film careers have made it difficult to make time. He also chalks up his unluckiness in love to his mishandling of a relationship in high school. “It’s not that I don’t have an interest in dating! I really do want to date,” D.O. explained. “It’s just that I can’t because I have no time, and there’s no opportunities to do so right now. I do think to myself that I shouldn’t be so clingy ever again, after my mistake with my first love.” These comments predate his military service and solo career expansion, with no major public updates reported since.

Solo Music Career

D.O. launched a solo music career after discharge with the EP Empathy in July 2021, which topped Korean charts. He followed with Expectation in 2023 and Blossom in 2024. His first studio album, Bliss, arrived in July 2025 and reached number one on iTunes in multiple countries. The lead single Sing Along! was co-written with Zico. A digital single, Dumb, dropped in September 2025 featuring Penomeco and co-written by D.O. himself. He has toured extensively, first with the Bloom Asia tour in 2024 and then the DO it! tour that opened in Seoul in July 2025 with additional dates across the region.

Recent Acting Projects

After early supporting turns, D.O. took lead and key supporting roles in several high-profile productions. He starred in 100 Days My Prince in 2018 and the film Swing Kids the same year. Bad Prosecutor in 2022 showcased his comic timing, while The Moon in 2023 placed him in a tense sci-fi drama. The Manipulated, released on Disney+ in 2025, further expanded his international reach. Awards recognition continued with the Blue Dragon win for My Annoying Brother and the Baeksang Most Popular Actor prize. Industry bodies continue to list him among Korea’s leading screen talents heading into the 2025-2026 awards season.

Agency and Professional Independence

In 2023 D.O. established his own management company, Company SooSoo, alongside his longtime manager. The arrangement gave him greater control over scheduling and project selection. In November 2025 he chose not to renew that contract and signed with Blitzway Entertainment. The move was framed as support for his acting ambitions while preserving solo music output and EXO commitments. Tour dates and upcoming releases proceeded without interruption under the new structure, underscoring a deliberate push toward long-term autonomy.

EXO Group Activities and Comeback

While pursuing solo work, D.O. remains active with EXO. The group announced its eighth studio album, Reverxe, slated for the first quarter of 2026 and featuring six members including Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay. In December 2025 the members held the fanmeeting EXO'verse at Inspire Arena, drawing thousands of international attendees. Additional group activities are planned once Sehun completes his service. D.O. balances these commitments with his solo schedule, maintaining the dual identity that has defined his career since debut.