5 reasons why EXO D.O.’s solo debut is one of K-pop’s most anticipated releases

Fans of Korean dramas and films would recognize him from the critically-acclaimed movie "My Annoying Brother" or from the box office hit "Along with the Gods."

There’s no doubt that award-winning actor Doh Kyungsoo has already established himself as one of South Korea’s prized stars, bagging two films right after he was discharged from the military in January this year.

But before he took the Korean film and drama industries by storm, Doh Kyungsoo was also known as D.O., one of the main vocalists  of the iconic K-pop group EXO.

And on July 26, he’s finally releasing his debut mini album “??” which means  empathy or sympathy in English.

D.O. ?? The 1st Mini Album

???? 2021.07.26. 6PM KST#?? #DO(D.O.)#?? #EXO #weareoneEXO pic.twitter.com/U0E19f839R

— EXO (@weareoneEXO) June 30, 2021

Details about his solo debut are still under wraps, but here are 5 reasons why you absolutely *need* to watch out for his upcoming album.

1. The nine-year wait.

Fans have been waiting for D.O.’s solo album for nine years, since EXO's 2012 debut in fact! Despite being one of the main vocalists of the K-pop group, D.O. never really had that much opportunity to showcase his honey vocals and singing skills outside his group releases. So to be quite frank, this album is already looong overdue. But with the kind of voice that he has, this solo is definitely worth the wait. 

2. He is K-pop’s R&B king.

Perm King, Kulot King — D.O. is always extra with those heavenly and well-placed runs and riffs that it's safe to say he owns the R&B genre! Go listen to "Tell Me What is Love" and bless your ears, please.

But whether he’s singing slow R&B jams or a sentimental ballad or some powerful choreo-heavy EDM tracks, you can trust D.O. to deliver each song with so much soul.

3. He is among the industry’s most versatile singers.

While D.O. is known for his tasteful adlibs, he is also a vocal powerhouse.

He sounds amazing in any genre, as well as in different languages too: Korean, Chinese, Japanese, English or even Spanish! It’s no surprise that fans are manifesting an English track in his album!

4. His first single (which he received creds as a lyricist!) has been hailed as “healing” and “comforting.”

His first solo single “That’s Okay” released as a gift to fans to mark his military enlistment in 2019 has been recommended by Korean celebrities, including K-pop’s sweetheart and fellow actor IU who also covered the song.

You have to admit that there’s something in D.O.’s voice that instantly makes you feel secure and warm. More than that, the acoustic song’s message of hope also gives listeners much-needed comfort. And it pays to point out that it was D.O. who set that direction by participating in writing the lyrics of the song.

5. His dedication to his craft is on another level.

EXOLs, fans of EXO, know too well how he’d juggle his acting and idol activities. From flying to concerts right after tapings to practicing choreographies during filming breaks, D.O. makes sure that he will give his 200% in everything that he DOes. in fact, he was preparing for his solo album while also participating in EXO’s Don’t Fight the Feeling album. That’s just how passionate he is! And that makes fans even more and more excited for his solo debut.

Whether you knew him first as an actor or as a K-pop idol, let’s D.O. it everyone and give EXO’s next soloist some love! — LA, GMA News