Recently, reports came out that claimed former EXO member Tao has proposed to his rumored girlfriend, Xu Yiyang. Now, the idol has briefly spoken up on the matter.

It has been rumored for the last four years that Tao is dating Xu Yiyang, an actress and singer represented by his agency, L.TAO Entertainment. Even though he has previously denied it, pictures and videos of the couple cuddling and going on dates have gone viral, proving how much they enjoy each other's presence.

It was recently reported that the two were planning to tie the knot. But is it true? Keep on reading for all the details.

In the end of April, it was reported that after nearly four years of dating, Tao, a former member of EXO, proposed to Xu Yiyang. Following the news, Chinese social media exploded with different reactions. Despite the attention on them, Tao and Xu Yiyang remained tight-lipped on the situation.

Subsequently, Tao and Xu Yiyang's acquaintances informed the Sina newspaper that the marriage proposal was a hoax. The couple's proposal photo was not a proposal at all; instead, it was taken behind the scenes of a reality TV show produced by Tao himself.

🍉 Rumor that #HuangZitao is proposing to #XuYiyang tonight

But what if they're just filming a drama 😂 pic.twitter.com/tCtGbTNW0X

— 🍉 田里的猹 (@melonconsumer) April 29, 2024

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Tao Engaged? Here's Why the Former EXO Member Is Speculated To Get Married

A few days after reports came out that the proposal was face, Tao's agency suddenly spoke up on the matter. The male singer did neither confirm or deny anything in his response to the media. Rather than responding directly, they stated, "This is a private matter for the artist, therefore we cannot provide an answer."

Despite the fact that the proposal was debunked, keyworks related to Tao and Xu Yiyang's relationship continue to dominate the top searches in Weibo. Some searches include:

• "DId Huang Zitao propose to Xu Yiyang?"
• "Does it count as a proposal if colleagues are around?"
• "Huang Zitao caressing Xu Yiyang's cheek"
• "Huang Zitao and Xu Yiyang make their first public appearance together following proposal rumors."
• "Huang Zitao tells Xu Yiyang not to point fingers."

Their names are frequently found at the top of Weibo searches, which prompted many internet users to slam them for creating drama and obsessively clout chasing.

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Many online users voiced their disgust with the couple's use of their relationship as a publicity stunt on social media. Many are asking the two to stop "acting," with long-time fans of Tao even decided to unstan the idol.

Rumors that Tao and Xu Yiyang are dating have followed the two since 2020. Xu Yiyang, who is signed under Tao's L.TAO Entertainment, appears to have captured his special attention. Tao notably supported her during her time on "Chuang 2020" by promoting her to his audience and encouraging them to vote for her. For some time, he also exclusively followed Xu Yiyang on social media.

IM SCREAMING HAHAHAHHA yiyang did an impression of the way zitao introduced himself during debut era 👀👀👀 https://t.co/tr3Asp2Uls

— 🎀 chanhun tweetfic 📌 fan account 🎀 (@PopRockShawty) June 6, 2020

Over the last year, the pair has been openly sharing photos from their outings together. Additionally, Tao has reportedly introduced Xu Yiyang to his family. Their recent trip to Yunnan Province, China, highlighted Tao's attentiveness and slight possessiveness when a male fan showed appreciation for Xu Yiyang.

🔥Trending: Huang Zitao, his mother, and rumored girlfriend Xu Yiyang had a dinner together and the two were wearing couple jackets! 🙉💖😍

Sure na talaga to, may nanalo na! 🎉#HuangZitao #Xuyiyang pic.twitter.com/pebtyMnUYa

— Star Dramachaser (@StarDramachaser) November 1, 2022

Passers-by ran into Huang Zitao and Xu Yiyang shopping together↓ pic.twitter.com/CSscsQcQQD

— 吃🍉 (@cnet_melons) February 26, 2023

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Former EXO Tao Shows 'Jealous' Side After Fan Said 'I Love You' to Rumored Girlfriend 

According to reports, this isn't the first time celebrity couples in China have potentially used publicity stunts to boost their image. Anita Yuen and Julian Cheung, for example, were accused of staging three weddings on TV shows.

Christy Chung and Shawn Zhang have also been known to deliberately vent out their marital issues on social media, leading to a cycle of disputes, separations, and reconciliations, a pattern that seems common among some celebrity pairs in China.

What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments.

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Written by Alexa Lopez