D.O. to part ways with SM Entertainment, stay as EXO member
EXO’s D.O. is leaving SM Entertainment to sign with a new agency established by his longtime manager for his commitments in the entertainment scene.
According to a report by Korean outlet Soompi, the agency announced the non-renewal of his contract on Oct. 18, saying that it's set to expire in early November. It noted that D.O. will still be part of K-pop boy group EXO.
“D.O.’s exclusive contract with us will expire in early November. Following thorough discussions with D.O., it has been decided that he will continue his EXO activities with SM, but will proceed with his acting and individual activities through the newly established agency founded by his and SM’s former manager,” the management announced.
D.O., whose real name is Do Kyung-soo, debuted with EXO in 2012 as one of its main vocalists. The group recently released their comeback album EXIST with hit tracks like Cream Soda and Let Me In.
In 2021, D.O. dropped his solo mini album dubbed Empathy, which included hits such as Rose, I’m Gonna Love You, and My Love. He recently released his second mini album dubbed Expectation featuring tracks like Somebody and I Do.
Apart from his career as a K-pop star, D.O. is also known for his roles in films and TV series such as Bad Prosecutor, Along With The Gods films, 100 Days My Prince, and the recently released movie The Moon.