When they made their debut in April 2012, SM Entertainment's boy group EXO originally consisted of 12 members. However, three of the group's four Chinese members withdrew from EXO and left the company. In 2022, what has Tao, one of the ex-Chinese members, been up to following his departure from EXO and return to China?
Keep on reading to know Tao's latest activities.
Tao's Activities Before Leaving EXO
As a member of EXO, Tao was the lead rapper, lead dancer, and sub vocalist of the group. They released their debut single "Mama" on April 8, 2012, which is part of their first mini album of the same day.
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Following his debut with EXO, Tao joined the group in several of their activities and promotions, as well as its Mandarin-language sub-unit EXO-M.
With EXO, Tao released their studio album "XOXO" and its repackaged album "Growl." He also promoted their "Miracles in December" and "Overdose" album releases. Tao's final album with EXO was "EXODUS."
Why Did Tao Leave EXO?
In March 2015, Tao suspended his activities with EXO, citing health problems. However, in August of that year, he became the third EXO member to file a lawsuit against SM Entertainment to nullify his exclusive contract with the company. Months before his lawsuit, former EXO members Kris and Luhan filed to terminate their contracts with SM Entertainment.
Just like Kris and Luhan, he expressed that he had also suffered from discrimination, in which the company favored the Korean EXO members more than the Chinese. In addition to the discrimination, Tao also cited unfair distribution of profits, health issues, and unfair contract terms.
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Tao, as well as Kris and Luhan, went into a legal battle with SM Entertainment. The Korean court ruled in favor of the company, making the three Chinese idols' contracts with SM Entertainment valid until 2022. However, they wouldn't be promoting with the group any longer.
Tao's Activities Following Return to China
As Tao's contract with SM Entertainment at the time was still valid for ten years until 2022, his promotions in Korea and Japan had to be managed by the company. However, Tao returned to China to focus on solo activities and launch his own company Z.TAO Studio. Since then, Tao has been active as an actor and singer.
Tao has released numerous albums, including "TAO," "Z.TAO," "Art Is Blue," "Music Is BLUE," "Don't Leave Me," and "She and You." He has also released several singles, with his most recent one being "Open This Sky." He even collaborated with Luahn for the single "Sensitive" in 2020.
Tao
Tao also lent his voice to soundtrack appearances for dramas and films.
Aside from his music career, Tao is also a famous actor. He has starred in the films "Railroad Tigers," "The Game Changer," and "Edge of Innocence," and dramas "Negotiator," "The Brightest Star in the Sky," "Hot Blooded Youth," "Forward Forever," and "Legally Romance," among others.
He was also a cast member and appeared in several Chinese variety shows, including "Law of the Jungle," "Street Dance of China," "Produce 101," "Produce Camp," "Rap For Youth," and more.
Tao
Tao has also endorsed many brands, including Loewe, Hanhoo, Sugar Phone, KFC, Skechers, Baidu, Hershey's, Nescafe Dolce Gusto, Kappa, Lacoste, EVISU, Tuborg, Sephora, and Yves Saint Laurent (YSL).
As a businessman, Tao established a new company called L.TAO Entertainment in 2018. He also opened his own restaurant Hao Shi, and an architecture and design company called L.TAO Architecture and Design.
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Written by Robyn Joan
