The K-Pop Idol Trend EXO’s D.O. “Could Never” See Himself Joining

EXO‘s D.O. was the most recent guest on Jonathan Thona‘s popular variety program, The K-Star Next Door, making him the first EXO member to appear on the show.

During the episode, the two discussed D.O.’s return from his mandatory military service in 2021 and EXO’s comeback earlier in the summer.

Jonathan Thona (left) and EXO’s D.O. (right) | 디글 :Diggle/YouTube

EXO released their seventh album, EXIST, on July 10, 2023, making it the group’s first comeback in three years and eight months.

D.O. reflected on the comeback, agreeing he felt like an “old student returning to school,” referencing the many K-Pop idols and groups that have debuted since EXO’s last comeback. The EXO member said that the group was normally one of the younger groups promoting, but now they’re often the oldest.

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Jonathan Thona pointed out one moment from EXO’s “Cream Soda” music show promotions, where D.O. was looking to the side of the stage instead of at the camera at the end of the performance. The moment quickly became known as D.O.’s “unbothered” ending fairy.

D.O. of EXO goes viral for his unbothered ending fairy.pic.twitter.com/gXDbRDXNhG

— About Music (@AboutMusicYT) July 17, 2023

In more recent traditions, idols come up with unique or memorable poses at the end of their performances, known as “ending fairy” moments.

Your browser does not support video.“Ending fairy originator” Jung Chaeyeon 

D.O. acknowledged that the “ending fairy” trend, or “ending pose,” was a new concept for him.

He admitted that he “could never” bring himself to join the new trend, saying he personally felt it was too “awkward” and “cringy” for him.

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Instead, Jonathan Thona noted that netizens think D.O. looks “very sentimental” when he stares off to the side of the stage instead of doing a traditional “ending fairy” pose.

He hilariously wondered if the EXO member practiced the pose on his own. Instead, D.O. reasoned that the “side look” came about because he can’t “show that [he’s] exhausted.”

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Jonathan again jokingly asked if D.O. practiced the look because he appeared “so sharp,” and D.O. hilariously caved and agreed he did.

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While D.O. may feel “awkward” doing an ending pose, he seemed to end up creating his own trend!

Check out the full episode with EXO’s D.O. below!