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        The Evolution Of EXO's D.O As An Actor Proves Why He Is One Of The Best Idol Actors In The Industry

        Idol actors are often under scrutiny and even underrated simply because they're idols. However, EXO's D.O has changed that forever.

        Ishani Sarkar, Kpopmap Editor
        4 min to read  ·  Published : May 20, 2021
        The Evolution Of EXO's D.O As An Actor Proves Why He Is One Of The Best Idol Actors In The Industry

        SM Entertainment

        It is not uncommon for K-Pop idols to look into expanding their creative horizons by venturing into the acting industry. A number of some of the most popular actors in the K-Drama world today were once idols or still are promoting as singers besides their active acting career. Others have retired from the idol life but continue to pursue singing and acting individually. An example of the former is 2PM's JunHo and BTOB's SungJae who are equally as consistent with their idol careers as they are with acting. The latter would be the case of artists like Park HyungSik, Bae Suzy and more recently Krystal Jung who used to be active in their respective groups, ZE:A, miss A and f(x) but are now focusing on their acting careers.

        The Evolution Of EXO's D.O As An Actor Proves Why He Is One Of The Best Idol Actors In The Industry

        NetflixHowever, idol actors are often looked down upon and accused of not taking either career seriously. They're also put down for using their connections and popularity to get into acting, which is otherwise an extremely competitive field. As such, an idol actor might be taking away an opportunity from a hardworking rookie actor. While it is true that oftentimes, an idol is cast into a drama to turn their popularity and fan following in favour of the drama but it is undoubtedly wrong to disregard their effort and sincerity towards the work.

        The Evolution Of EXO's D.O As An Actor Proves Why He Is One Of The Best Idol Actors In The Industry

        D.O. or Do KyungSoo debuted as a member of EXO in 2011 and started acting as early as 2012. His first serious role was in 2014 with the drama "It's Okay, That's Love" and ever since then, there was no looking back. Almost immediately fans and critics alike noticed his penchant for acting and his natural talent in the same. One of the most beloved characters in the drama was Han GangWoo, the character played by D.O. Not only did he show extreme emotional depth but also at the same time, his comedic timing was top-notch, on par with some of the most experienced actors.

        The Evolution Of EXO's D.O As An Actor Proves Why He Is One Of The Best Idol Actors In The Industry

        In 2015, D.O proved once and for all that he was serious about acting with his role in "Hello Monster" as the psychopathic killer Lee JoonYoung. Even though he didn't appear throughout the series, his short but crisp presence left a long-lasting impression on audiences who came to recognise him as more than just the skewed perception of a privileged idol actor but rather someone who was talented enough to handle two careers at once. His portrayal of a psychopath was hair-raising and it showed that D.O was more concerned about honing his skills than maintaining the perfect image of an idol, cementing his position in the industry.

        The Evolution Of EXO's D.O As An Actor Proves Why He Is One Of The Best Idol Actors In The Industry

        In 2016, D.O appeared in a leading role alongside Jo JungSuk in the film "My Annoying Brother". In 2017, he acted in "Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds" in another short but effective role. D.O wasn't taking up characters as per their screen time but rather those that would improve his creative arsenal. In 2017, he appeared in "Room No. 7" as TaeJung. He went on to feature in the sequel of the film, "Along With the Gods: The Last 49 Days" in 2018 and garnered much appreciation and high praise for the same. Directors in the industry were so smitten by his effortless talent that he was cast to lead the deeply moving film "Swing Kids" and the director, Kang HyungChul referred to this casting as fate because there could not have been a better actor for the role of Rho KiSoo.

        The Evolution Of EXO's D.O As An Actor Proves Why He Is One Of The Best Idol Actors In The Industry

        It was also in 2018 that D.O also led a K-Drama for the first time with "100 Days My Prince" alongside actress Nam JiHyun. Not only was it refreshing to see him in a romantic comedy but the element of history was tailor-made for D.O. Having covered a wide range of genres in such a short span of his career speaks volumes about his creative genius.

        In 2021, D.O will be appearing in director Seo YooMin's film "Secret" which is a remake of the Taiwanese film of the same name and director Kim YongHwa's "The Moon". With such incredible projects lined up, we can't wait to see what D.O has in store for us next.

         

        What is your favourite film or drama starring D.O? Share your thoughts with Kpopmap in the comments section down below!

         

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