D.O. (Do Kyung-soo)

Biography

D.O. (Born Do Kyung-soo) is a South Korean singer and actor. He is best known as the main vocalist of the K-pop group EXO, one of the most commercially successful boy groups in Asia. Beyond his music career, D.O. has earned strong critical recognition as an actor in film, television, and theater, widely praised for his restrained, emotionally grounded performances.

Early Life and Education

Do Kyung-soo was born on January 12, 1993, in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. From an early age, he showed a strong interest in singing and acting. He attended Baekshin High School, where he majored in theater and film, actively participating in school productions and performance competitions.

In 2010, he auditioned for SM Entertainment through a singing video submission and was accepted as a trainee. During his trainee years, he focused intensively on vocal training, developing the rich and warm tone that would later define his identity as a main vocalist. He later continued his studies at Konkuk University College of Arts, majoring in acting.

Music Career

EXO Debut and Activities (2012–Present)

D.O. debuted with EXO on April 8, 2012, with the release of the single MAMA, as part of the subgroup EXO-K. As the group’s main vocalist, he played a central role in shaping EXO’s signature sound, particularly through his stable live vocals and emotional delivery.

EXO quickly rose to international fame with hit songs such as Growl, Overdose, Call Me Baby, Monster, Love Shot, Tempo, and Obsession. The group achieved multiple million-selling albums, extensive world tours, and numerous Daesang (Grand Prize) awards at major Korean music ceremonies.

In addition to group activities, D.O. has contributed vocals to various original soundtracks (OSTs) and participated in songwriting for select EXO tracks. His vocal style is frequently described as soulful, warm, and technically refined, earning him recognition as one of the strongest male vocalists of his generation.

Solo Music Career (2021–2025)

In June 2021, it was announced that D.O. would make his solo debut. He released his first mini-album Empathy on July 26, 2021, featuring the lead single “Rose.” D.O. participated in writing lyrics for “Rose” and “I’m Fine,” and the album topped the Gaon Album Chart upon release.

On September 18, 2023, he released his second mini-album Expectation, with the pre-released track “I Do.” In May 2024, D.O. released his third EP Blossom, featuring the lead single “Mars,” and subsequently embarked on the Bloom Asian fan concert tour beginning in June 2024.

In June 2024, he also featured on the track “Small Girl” by rapper Lee Young-ji, which topped the South Korean Circle Digital Chart. In January 2025, D.O. released the digital single “Snowfall at Night,” followed by his first full-length studio album Bliss on July 7, 2025.

Acting Career

Acting Debut and Early Work (2014–2017)

D.O. made his acting debut in 2014 with the SBS drama It’s Okay, That’s Love. That same year, he appeared in the socially conscious film Cart as a supporting character, marking his first major film role and earning praise for his performance.

He continued his film career in youth and family dramas such as Pure Love (2016) and My Annoying Brother (2016), followed by Room No.7 (2017) and appearances in the Along with the Gods film series.

Breakthrough and Established Roles (2018–2021)

In 2018, D.O. starred in 100 Days My Prince, one of his most widely popular television roles, and appeared in Swing Kids, demonstrating his range through physically and emotionally challenging performances. His work in this period solidified his reputation as a credible actor beyond idol status.

Post-Military and Recent Projects (2021–Present)

D.O. enlisted for mandatory military service on July 1, 2019, serving as an active duty soldier, and was discharged on January 25, 2021.

After his military service, he starred as the lead in the sci-fi film The Moon (released August 2023), portraying an astronaut.

He also starred as the lead in KBS2’s Bad Prosecutor (2022) as Jin Jung, earning the Top Excellence Award (Actor) at the 2022 KBS Drama Awards for his performance. In 2025, D.O. starred in the Disney+ series The Manipulated, further diversifying his acting portfolio. 

Awards & Honors

Film & Television Awards

• Best Young Actor, Seoul International Youth Film Festival (2014) — It’s Okay, That’s Love (Won)
• Best New Actor, APAN Star Awards (2014) — It’s Okay, That’s Love (Won)
• Rising Star Award, Max Movie Awards (2016) — Pure Love (Won)
• Most Popular Actor (Film), Baeksang Arts Awards (2016) — Pure Love (Won)
• Best New Actor (Film), Blue Dragon Film Awards (2017) — My Annoying Brother (Won)
• Newcomer Award (Film), Korean Film Shining Star Awards (2017) — My Annoying Brother (Won)
• Star Award, JIMFF Awards (2017) — My Annoying Brother (Won)
• Popular Star Award, Buil Film Awards (2018) — Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days (Won)
• Next Generation Noteworthy Actor, Dong-A.com’s Pick (2018) — Honored as emerging actor
• Director’s Cut Award — Best New Actor (2018) — Recognized by Korean directors’ association
• Best V Live Popularity Award, Baeksang Arts Awards (2019) — 100 Days My Prince (Won)
• Best Actor of the Year, Soompi Awards (2019) — 100 Days My Prince (Won)
• Popular Star Award, 55th Baeksang Arts Awards (2019) — 100 Days My Prince (Won)
• Top Excellence Award (Actor), KBS Drama Awards (2022) — Bad Prosecutor (Won)
• Best Couple Award, KBS Drama Awards (2022) — Bad Prosecutor (Won)
• Popularity Award (Actor), KBS Drama Awards (2022) — Bad Prosecutor (Won)
• Acting Award, DFX Daejeon Special FX Festival (2023) — The Moon (Won)
• Asia Wide Award, Marie Claire Asia Star Awards (2023) — The Moon (Honored)

Music & Solo Honors

• Artist Award — Male Solo, Hanteo Music Awards (2021) (Won)
• Solo Song of the Year, Indonesian Hallyu Fans Choice Awards (2021) — “Rose” (Won)
• Best Artist / R&B Male, Korea Grand Music Awards (2024) — Recognized for solo music work (Won)
• Asian Pop Music Awards (2025) — “Forever (Resident Playbook OST)” nominated for Best OST (pending results)

Nominations & Additional Honors

• Best Supporting Actor, Grand Bell Awards (2015) — Cart (Nominated)
• Best Newcomer, Asian Film Awards (2015) — Cart (Nominated)
• Album Bonsang / Most Popular Artist, Golden Disc Awards (2022) — Empathy (Nominated)
• Mubeat Global Choice Award, Gaon Chart Music Awards (2021) (Nominated)
• Best Actor, Blue Dragon Series Awards (2023) – Bad Prosecutor (Nominated)

Discography & Filmography

Solo Albums & EPs

Dramas

Films