SM Entertainment denies the news that EXO's Chinese member Huang Zi Tao, more popularly known as Tao, is terminating his contract with the company and is leaving the group.

On April 16, Sina, a Chinese news portal , reported that Tao left EXO and is planning to terminate his contract with Korean talent outfit SM Entertainment , causing outrage among fans.

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Chinese media outlet iQiyi also reported the same news, stating that Tao is processing the termination of his contract with the company. The news cited Tao's inability to join EXO's current promotions due to injuries that he sustained late last year.

Furthermore, it was stated that an insider close to the idol made the claims regarding his withdrawal from EXO. Tao trended on various social networking platforms following the news.

The company initially stated that they are not sure whether the idol is leaving, claiming that the situation is unclear following the requests for a response regarding the issue. However, on April 18, SM Entertainment told 'Star News', a local media outlet, that the reports made by Sina and iQiyi are false.

Moreover, when the rumor first surfaced in March, Tao dismissed rumors that he will leave EXO.

Despite that, fans of the group expressed different reactions regarding the issue. Many left comments on the 22-year old idol's social networking accounts, asking him not to leave EXO.

Tao is one of the remaining Chinese members of EXO apart from Zhang Yi Xing, more popularly known to their fans as Lay.

In related news, just days before news surfaced that Tao is leaving EXO, SM Entertainment announced that they will be opening a studio to support Lay's solo activities in China , quelling speculations that the idol is leaving the group.

Meanwhile, EXO is continuously achieving awards through various music shows in Korea since they have started promoting their title track 'Call Me Baby."

TagsEXO, Huang Zi Tao, Tao, EXO Tao, SM Entertainment, Sina, iQiyi