EXO's D.O. Becomes Free Agent; Future Moves and Equity Dispute with Company SooSoo Under Scrutiny

D.O., a prominent member of the group EXO and a rising actor, has officially become a free agent, sparking widespread interest in his next career move.

His former agency, Company SooSoo, confirmed on the 4th that D.O.'s exclusive contract has expired and that they have mutually decided not to renew.

Company SooSoo was established by Nam Kyung-soo, the CEO and D.O.'s long-time manager, after D.O. departed from SM Entertainment in 2023. The agency has since managed his individual activities as an actor and entertainer.

With the contract's conclusion, D.O. is now free to pursue opportunities across various fields, including acting and variety shows. Reports indicate he is currently in discussions with multiple entertainment companies.

Amidst these developments, a report surfaced claiming D.O. requested to maintain his 50% equity stake in Company SooSoo, which he acquired during its establishment. A representative from Company SooSoo acknowledged D.O.'s ownership of the stake but stated they could not confirm whether he requested to retain it post-contract expiration, adopting a cautious stance.

Meanwhile, D.O. is set to star in the upcoming Disney+ original series 'The 8 Show' (translated from '조각도시'), scheduled for release on the 5th.

Korean netizens are reacting with a mix of excitement and curiosity. Comments like 'D.O. is finally free! Where will he go next?' and 'Looking forward to his new ventures' show support for his career transition. There's also discussion around the equity report, with fans saying, 'Hope everything gets resolved smoothly' and 'Curious about the details of the company stake.'