The speculation show is over. It is now officially confirmed that Tao has quit popular Chinese-Korean idol group EXO. He reportedly filed a lawsuit on Aug. 24 against SM Entertainment, the management agency of EXO, seeking nullification of his contract.

He has enlisted the help of the same legal team that is representing his ex-EXO-M buddies -- Luhan and Kris, according to Korea Boo. Kris and Luhan quit the group last year -- the former in May while the latter in October -- and filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment, seeking termination of their exclusive contracts. 

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The speculations about whether Tao is part of EXO or not started when his father said on Weibo in April that he would like to bring back his son home. In addition to talking about Tao's health issue, the father also hinted at business issues. Soon after Weibo post, SM Entertainment released a statement confirming that they were talking with Tao's father to sort out differences.

Tao, meanwhile, flew to the U.S. The reports said he went to the U.S. to get treatment for his leg injury and to pursue his studies. And he did not participate in the recording of EXO's repackaged album, and also stayed away from promoting it.  The day the repackaged album was released, Tao was in Beijing, China, to promote a mobile game. While his EXO members were busy with their album "Love Me Right," Tao was taking solo steps, signing on two solo endorsement deals.

Last month, Tao made his solo debut in his country, with mini-album T.A.O. And before that, SM Entertainment had removed his name from the official EXO-M Facebook Page. The writing was clearly on the wall that another Chinese EXO member has taken the exit route, but both Tao and SM Entertainment were not confirming that. Now with the lawsuit, there is no doubt that Tao, now called Z. Tao, is no longer an EXO.   

Meanwhile, SM Entertainment too has broken its vow of silence. Korea Boo quoted them as saying, "Our company plans to use everything in our power including both Korean and Chinese legal professionals and partners to respond legally both in Korea and China in a multi-faceted manner. We also plan to take legal steps to respond to Tao's illegal promotions and actions."  

TagsTao, EXO, EXO-M, Luhan, Kris, Tao files lawsuit against SM Entertainment, T.A.O, SM Entertainment