EXO's member, Tao (Huang Zitao), according to news updates, is rumored to be leaving the K-Pop boyband after the singer opened a new studio in China and took a long vacation.
While SM Entertainment continues to deny that Tao is leaving EXO for a solo career in China, the singer seems to be dropping hints that he is indeed abandoning the group.
Aside from opening up a new studio abroad, the singer's new management reportedly set up a new Weibo account for the singer, where fans may get updates on Tao's promotions, appearances, concerts and events in China.
Tao's father also urged fans to follow the new account.
"Huang Zitao's official studio has been established today! Everyone is welcome to follow," Tao's father said, according to Hollywoodtake.
On June 12, SM Entertainment also confirmed that Tao has indeed opened up his personal studio in China.
"We know about the news of Tao's personal studio," SM Entertainment announced, Koreaboo reported. "Currently, we are still discussing the direction of Tao's career. We are also currently discussing his Chinese activities with him and his dad."
Despite persistent rumors of Tao leaving EXO, SM Entertainment does not seem to want to let the singer go, saying, "We hope to discuss possibilities for Tao's career through these discussions."
Previously, Tao's father had expressed his concern over SM Entertainment's treatment towards his son's health and career.
"In the three years since his debut he attended many programs that put his health at risk," Tao's father said. "The company did not properly take care of his injuries and that pained my heart."
"When last I visited Korea and tried to bring Tao with me to give him proper care the company suddenly said, 'Let's talk about Tao's future'," Tao's father explained. "When last I visited Korea and tried to bring Tao with me to give him proper care the company suddenly said, 'Let's talk about Tao's future'."
Tao has yet to officially and publicly confirm his departure from EXO.
