Do Kyungsoo or D.O. of EXO. Image: Twitter/@weareoneEXO
Doh Kyungsoo, also known as EXO’s D.O., is parting ways with SM Entertainment and is set to sign with a new label established by his longtime manager.
His departure was first reported by Korean media outlet JTBC on Wednesday, Oct. 18, which stated that he will join an agency called Company SooSoo which is founded by the actor-singer himself and his longtime manager Nam Kyung-soo.
SM Entertainment then confirmed the reports in an official statement on the same day, saying the “That’s Okay” singer’s exclusive contract will expire in early November. It also clarified that Doh will remain as an EXO member.
“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,” SM’s statement read, per a Soompi translation.
Korean media also noted that Doh and Nam “maintained a close relationship by working on so many projects together,” where the latter remained with the actor-singer “since his debut.”
“Doh Kyung-soo has especially expressed his gratitude by calling CEO Nam Kyung-soo’s name at awards ceremonies and other events,” a Sports Chosun report said.
Fans showed their excitement about Doh’s new career journey on X (formerly Twitter) following the reports, with some wishing him the best in his new path.
THE NEW COMPANY NAME IS=
컴퍼니수수 / SooSoo Company
ALL THE BEST FOR YOU KYUNGSOO! AND FOR SOOSOO COMPANY! pic.twitter.com/zp1v7d2USg
— Fel ⌾ຶ♡⌾ຶ (@felissoo) October 18, 2023
IT’S OFFICIAL!!!! KYUNGSOO IS FREE FROM SM 🥳 pic.twitter.com/yBBiN8FEww
— klau (@kokokbop) October 18, 2023
So it’s confirmed by sm already!!! I’M SO SOOO HAPPY FOR KYUNGSOO!!!! pic.twitter.com/ZbVrvKUWxT
— mahie (@dohjinjeong) October 18, 2023
According to an article by JTBC, Kyungsoo will leave SM Entertainment and establish his own independent agency with a management director who has been with him since his debut days
Kyungsoo plans to continue doing activities as both an EXO member and actor under his new company.
— 쉰花 ❄️ (@xunhuas) October 18, 2023
Doh debuted as the main vocalist of EXO in April 2012 where he’s dubbed by Korean media as the “final boss of vocal tone.” He then made his debut as a solo artist in July 2021 with his first EP “Empathy.”
The EXO member released his second mini-album “Expectation” last September.
Doh also established himself as an actor, appearing in several K-dramas and films such as “100 Days My Prince,” “Swing Kids,” “It’s Okay, That’s Love,” and “The Moon.”. He is set to appear in the upcoming film “Secret: The Untold Melody” although a premiere date is yet to be announced. EDV