D.O. (Do Kyung Soo) of EXO is swiftly becoming one of the most sought after acting idols in Korean entertainment. While many K-pop stars attempt to effectively break into the market, few succeed at demonstrating the ability to capture the attention of audiences beyond their existing fan base.
D.O. continues to generate buzz with his on-screen performances, even when he is placed against a cast of seasoned actors. His recently provided a noteworthy cameo in the KBS2 drama "I Remember You," as Jun Young, a coldblooded sociopath. While it was only a two-episode stint, his headline-worthy appearance continues to be one of the most talked about K-Drama moments of June 2015.
His next highly anticipated project is "Pure Love," a romantic drama which teen actress Kim So Hyun. "Pure Love" will focus on the trajectory of the lead couple's relationship, as told through a series of letters that are read on a radio station. While D.O. has yet to portray a leading man, the role could potentially elevate him beyond cameos and supporting characters.
Here are six reasons D.O. is Korea's rising acting idol.
1. D.O. was selected by entertainment insiders as the number one actor among idols.
On a March 2015 episode of "Entertainment Weekly," D.O. received the news that he was named as the top actor out of 40 idols in 2014.
2. He debuted as an actor in "Cart," a film which provided social commentary on unfair working conditions.
Rather than selecting a romantic comedy, his first acting role was in a film which advocated for fair treatment of workers and the development of unions.
3. His portrayal of Han Kang Woo in "It's Okay, That's Love" was compelling and equally matched the performance delivered by Jo In Sung.
4. While he exceeds expectations in melodramatic roles, he served as comic relief in "EXO Next Door."
D.O. demonstrated excellent comedic timing in "EXO Next Door." The strength of his acting was one of the primary reasons to watch the web series.
5. He is filming his second movie role within a year of his acting debut.
6. D.O. has an expressive face that few young actors have. This allows for convincing portrayals of a wide range of roles.
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About the writer: Adrienne Stanley is a contributing editor for KDramastars. She is also a contributing writer for Kpopstarz, MTV Iggy and CJ Entertainment's KCON blog. Her passions include a love of K-pop and Asian drama. When she is not writing, she is hanging out on Twitter (@retrogirladdy).
