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EXO's D.O. becomes second band member to complete military service, fans want solo album by 'precious Kyungsoo'

SM Entertainment is also releasing a 'Welcome Back Set' to commemorate the singer's discharge from the military

EXO's D.O. has been discharged from the military today (January 24) to the open arms of fans.

EXO's label SM Entertainment previously announced his leave and discharge from military service while he was on holiday, citing that it is due to COVID-19 regulations. Toward the end of December, the agency said, “D.O. is currently on a final leave and will be discharged on January 25, 2021, without returning to the base," according to Soompi. "This is in accordance with instructions aimed to prevent the spread of Covid-19."

D.O. joined the military on July 1, 2020, and during his service, he participated in the military musical 'Return: The Promise of the Day'. He served as a cook in the Air Defense Battalion of the Metropolitan Mechanizes Infantry Division. D.O., whose real name is Doh Kyung-soo, is the second member to complete his military duties after Xiumin, the oldest member of EXO. Chen is the fourth and latest member of the Korean pop group to enlist in active duty after Xiumin, D.O, and Suho.

According to Yaay, the remaining members may be exempt from mandatory military service until their 30s. With a new decree approved by the Korean government, certain idols could delay their time in the military until they hit 30 years of age, although, this does not apply to all Korean pop singers.

Meanwhile, fans are excited to see D.O.'s return and have given many warm welcomes for the singer on social media. "Finally over!" declares a fan on Twitter, adding, "our kyungsoo, we really miss you so much ♡."

"Our precious Kyungsoo is back !!! He has officially finished his service~ Looking forward to all of his activities, no matter as Singer D.O. or Actor Doh Kyungsoo !! Welcome back Kyungsoo !!" tweeted a fan while another wrote, "NOW WE HAVE 2 EXO MEMBERS WHO FINISHED THEIR MILITARY SERVICE!! GLAD TO HAVE YOU BACK MINSEOK AND KYUNGSOO."

One fan said, "Kyungsoo was a good handler and performed in the musical. I wonder if he got to cook for them because we know he is good at cooking In any case the king is back."

"We want a solo album!!!" said an eager fan.

To commemorate D.O.'s discharge, SM Entertainment has created a special gift to celebrate that fans can purchase. On January 22, the label announced a customized 'Welcome Back Set', which includes a military-style necklace and tag keyring that has "D.O." with it. Fans can either attach the keyring to the necklace or wear the necklace alone.
The customized 'Welcome Back Set' will release sometime today and the official goods will be available both via the physical SMTOWN & STORE at SM Communication Center during the late hours of January 24 and on the official website at midnight on January 25/2 p.m. KST.