This is the 156th most frequent Korean word.
한다고
"한다고" means "says/does that (someone) will do" and is used in reported speech or hypothetical statements.
In this sentence, "한다고" introduces reported speech, indicating the act of studying by the third person.
그가 열심히 공부한다고 들었어요.
I heard that he studies hard.
Here, "한다고" explains the reason for skipping dinner, describing an ongoing action.
나는 밤늦게까지 일한다고 저녁을 거릅니다.
I skip dinner because I work late at night.
In this case, "한다고" is used to indicate what the friend's excuse was about, an expression of intention or claim.