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EXO Chinese member Tao’s father wants son out of SM Ent

April 22, 2015

EXO-M’s Tao (Yonhap)

The EXO drama continues, this time involving Chinese member Tao.

His father wrote a letter requesting the removal of his son from SM Entertainment, local media reported.

Tao’s father writes in the letter — reported by Chinese outlet Sina News to have originally been posted on his Weibo, a popular Chinese social networking site — that he cannot stand to see his son injured from activities while receiving little support from the agency.

“I understand that many people, including my son, will be hurt by my decision,” he begins. “If I had to choose between between his health and his career as a star in Korea, then I would choose his health.”

The 21-year-old has not been present for EXO’s recent activities with “Call Me Baby,” the title track of their second album.

In the letter, his father explains that he had no choice but to bring Tao back to China to treat his injuries, which include pain on his waist, body and leg.

He also expressed frustration over the agency’s management of his son concerning an alleged promise from SM that they would set up a specialized team for Tao in China.

“I’m sorry and thankful to the EXO members and to the agency,” he writes. “I’m thankful to the company for taking care of Tao until now.”

In response, SM Entertainment told OSEN Thursday in Korea that they had been in continuous talks with Tao’s father about his Chinese activities and that it was regrettable to see the letter surface.

“Regardless, we will try to find a progressive direction with Tao’s father in this matter,” the agency said.

On April 16, Tao was swept in a rumor about leaving the 10-member band. SM issued swift denial.

Last year, two Chinese members of EXO, Kris and Luhan, left the band, both requesting contract cancellation. Earlier this year, it was announced that SM set up an individual agency in China to manage the domestic activities of EXO Chinese member Lay.