EXO's Tao Sets Up Personal Studio In China; Speculations Swirl Around His Imminent Departure From Chinese-Korean Idol Group

Jun 12, 2015 07:59 AM EDT

(Photo : Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images) SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - MAY 24: South Korean idol group EXO attend the Calvin Klein Collection Hosts, a special one-night exhibition entitled 'Infinite Loop' organized by the New Museum of Contemporary Art at the Seoul Railway Station on May 24, 2012 in Seoul, South Korea.

EXO's Chinese member Tao has not only signed on his second solo endorsement deal in China but also set up a one-man studio in the country for his solo activities. Tao or SM Entertainment has yet to confirm that he has quit EXO, but the establishment of an agency, with the aim to concentrate on his solo activities, suggests Tao's plans to go on a different route, according to Chinese media reports.

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Tao's personal agency is called Huang Z.TAO Studio, and he set it up on June 11, according to Soompi (via MyDaily). It is expected that he is most likely to pursue an acting career in China. Korea Boo reported that a new account for the studio has been created on the popular Chinese social media platform Weibo, and the first post announced, "In the future, Tao's news and activities will be announced and updated here. The account is being verified. We welcome everyone to follow us."

Soon after its creation, Tao's father reportedly endorsed the account, and on the morning of June 12, Tao started following the account. In its first reaction, SM Entertainment said, as quoted by Soompi, that they know about the opening of Tao's personal studio, adding, "We are currently in discussion for an ongoing progressive direction." Earlier, they said in a statement that they are still negotiating with Tao and his father.

Tao has not been part of EXO's activities since April. He also did not participate in the recording of their repackaged album "Love Me Right" and has not been included in its promotional activities.

Last month, it was reported that Tao bagged a solo endorsement deal to promote a Chinese mobile game. On June 3, when other EXO members were releasing their new album in South Korea, EXO was attending an event in Beijing to promote the mobile game.

Earlier this week, Tao inked his second solo endorsement deal to promote Bugles, a Chinese snack brand. Korea Boo reported that he completed the filming of Bugles' advertisement when he flew in from Los Angeles to attend the Chinese mobile game event.

TagsTao, EXO, EXO member, TAO Leaves EXO, Tao Quits EXO, TAO's Departure