On September 11, Friday, it was announced the father of former EXO member Tao, also known Huang Zitao, had passed away due to an unspecified chronic illness. He was 52-years-old.
Tao's father, Huang Zhongdong, started the management company L.Tao Entertainment alongside his son back in 2018. The company informed fans of Huang Zhongdong's passing through Weibo, saying,
"L.Tao Entertainment delivers the unfortunate news that our founder and executive director, Mr. Huang Zhongdong, passed away from illness on September 11, 2020, at 52-years-old.
Mr. Huang Zhongdong was at the forefront of L..Tao Entertainment, breaking the waves while being L.Tao Entertainment's warm and understanding parents, wise and open, funny, and loving. While battling the illness and suffering, he continued to push and encourage his family and close friends to do the best at their jobs, to stay optimistic, and to keep moving forward. We are in extreme grief over Mr. Huang Zhongdong's passing.
May the soul of our beloved be free from sickness and tormenter wherever they go.
Following the family's wishes, Mr. Huang Zhongdong's funeral will be made simple and private."
Tao and his father had always had a close father-son relationship. He even appeared in some variety shows with his dad. Back in 2015, Huang Zhongdong created a Weibo account to talk about how much his son loved his former group EXO and his career in South Korea. However, due to his son's constant health problems and the lack of care he was receiving, he decided to bring his son back to China.
In his first-ever Weibo post, he thanked the members of EXO who took care of his son, as well as SM Entertainment. He said:
"I am thankful for the company and the three years worth of cultivation they put towards Huang Zitao. We are also thankful to the staff members who cared and showed concern for our song. At the same time, I would like to apologize to the Huang Zitao and EXO fans. I know this decision of mine must have deeply hurt you all, but please understand a father's helpless action. I'm sorry!"
When Tao established the company with his father back in 2018, he shared a Weibo post in which he alks about his father, saying, "All the hard work from the past years was in preparation for this day. [...] Dad, I love you. It took me 10 years to build up the company of my dreams, and I will use the next 10 years to prove what I am made of."
Huang Zhongdong's last Weibo post was two months ago in July 2020, in which he celebrated the two-year anniversary of L.Tao Entertainment.
Huang Zitao's company took the time to address the fans and speak on behalf of the Huang family. They continue to ask the public for space and time to grieve the loss of their beloved. They also urge everyone to give Tao some time to properly mourn the loss of his father.
Rest in peace, Huang Zhongdong.
