D.O. you know? 5 things to love about EXO’s D.O.

D.O. is finally dropping his highly-anticipated debut solo album 공감 (Empathy) on July 26.

Most known as a member of the legendary K-pop group EXO, the 28-year-old singer actually has more tricks up his sleeve.

Here are five D.O. facts to get us all ready for DKS1:  

He debuted as a K-pop idol nine years ago

D.O. debuted as one of EXO’s main vocalists on April 8, 2012 with the EP titled Mama. The 6-track EP included the title track of the same title, a baroque pop song that showcased the group’s vocal talents. D.O. was the first one who sang in the song, impressing everyone with his iconic powerful belt. The singer has come a long way since then, releasing hit after hit with EXO and taking K-pop to places it has never been before.

The group’s latest work was the special album Don’t Fight the Feeling, which was also his first EXO project after completing his military service. Just over a month after, D.O. is all ready to share new music. This time, it’s all his own.

He is also known as award-winning actor Doh Kyungsoo

Fans of Korean dramas and films probably know D.O. better as actor Doh Kyungsoo (his real name) from series like It’s Okay, That’s Love (2014) and 100 Days My Prince (2018).

Kyungsoo also starred in films such as My Annoying Brother (2016), where he received the Blue Dragon Film Awards’ Best New Actor trophy for his performance. His other film credits include the blockbuster hit Along with the Gods series (2017) and Swing Kids (2018), where he plays a North Korean soldier who gets into tap dancing.

Earlier this year, Kyungsoo was handpicked by the Korean Film Council to join The Actor is Present, a campaign to promote 200 actors that represent Korean cinema’s present and future. He is currently filming The Moon, where he plays an astronaut trapped in space. He also bagged the lead role in the 2021 South Korean remake of the 2007 Taiwanese film Secret.

He served in the military as a cook!

EXO-Ls would know that D.O. is an avid cook. He would cook for his fellow members when they still lived in a dorm together, and also expressed his passion for cooking in interviews. One of his much-loved dishes is his baked cheesy kimchi spag! In 2019, he took his love for cooking further by serving in the military as a kitchen police or a cook, which is known to be one of the toughest jobs there.

He’s one of K-pop’s best singers

If you’re one of the main vocalists of a group who’s known for delivering impeccable vocals (even the rappers in EXO can sing a ballad well!), then you must be beyond excellent. It’s no question that D.O. has one of the best voices in K-pop.

Fans love him for his unique honey vocal tone, his well-placed and tasteful runs, and adlibs and powerful belts. Critics will always point out his solid techniques and innate musicality. But what really makes D.O. one of the best in the industry is his ability to sing through your heart – all by baring his soul in every note just like what he did on That’s Okay, the first song he wrote lyrics for.  

His solo album includes self-written lyrics AND songs in both English and Spanish

It’s been revealed that D.O. participated in writing the lyrics for the title track Rose and for the side track I’m Fine. The 8-track album includes two bonus songs, the English version of the title track and Si Fueras Mia, the Spanish version of another B-side called It’s Love.

D.O.’s 공감 (Empathy) also explores different genres – from acoustic folk to Latin-based acoustic pop to R&B. Korean singer-rapper Wonstein is also featured on the album for the song I’m Gonna Love You. His other two tracks are My Love and Dad.

Want to learn more about D.O. and stan him for life? Start by checking out his debut solo album on July 26. – Rappler.com