Tuesday, September 23, 2025
  • Lowyat.NET
  • Lipstiq
  • Murai MY
  • Miss Murai
  • Varnam
  • Moviedash
  • Autofreaks
No Result
View All Result
Hype Malaysia
  • Hype Picks
    • Go
    • Eats
    • Style
    • Streams
    • Concerts
  • Celebs
    • K-pop
  • Music
    • Reviews
    • Interviews & Features
  • Movies & TV
    • Movies
    • TV
    • Features
  • Lifestyle
    • Tech
    • Travels
    • News
  • Giveaways
    • Contests
Hype Malaysia
  • Hype Picks
    • Go
    • Eats
    • Style
    • Streams
    • Concerts
  • Celebs
    • K-pop
  • Music
    • Reviews
    • Interviews & Features
  • Movies & TV
    • Movies
    • TV
    • Features
  • Lifestyle
    • Tech
    • Travels
    • News
  • Giveaways
    • Contests
No Result
View All Result
Hype Malaysia
No Result
View All Result
Home Celebrity

(UPDATE) #EXO: SM Entertainment Sues Tao For Illegal Chinese Entertainment Activities

by Adrina
September 23, 2015
24
SHARES
Share on FacebookShare on Whatsapp

SM Entertainment is putting its foot down and suing Tao to prevent him from carrying out his entertainment activities in China.

The Korean entertainment powerhouse struck back with a lawsuit against their previous artiste Tao, who earlier started the official legal process to end his exclusive contract with them and quit EXO.

EXO Tao - Exodus

Tao unofficially left the group in May as he was reported to have flown to United States to study and to receive treatment for his injuries. In June 2015, he returned to China and set up a personal studio for his future solo activities. He then made his solo debut with his first mini album titled “T.A.O”.

Following his solo debut in China, SM decided to file a lawsuit against Tao for carrying out illegal Chinese entertainment activities.

Z.Tao Comeback 2015

This is similar to their previous cases with Wu Yi Fan (formerly known as Kris) and Luhan, who left EXO-M in February and July of last year respectively to pursue their own individual activities in China.

SM Entertainment submitted the lawsuit to Beijing courts on 18th September (Friday).

“In order to protect (SM) and EXO’s rights and interests from Tao’s continued illegal activities, and to prevent well-intentioned companies from getting involved in said illegal activities, we’d like to state the following,” said SM Entertainment.

They continued:

In April of 2015, Tao was already working with another company to create his own album, and he left SM and his team without permission. Moreover, in July of the same year, he released a mini album and continued to engage in illegal solo entertainment activities. While using what he gained with EXO to his advantage, appearing in advertisements, broadcasts, etc., he suddenly sued SM Entertainment on August 24, 2015.

SM added, “Until a final verdict has been reached, Tao is required to stay true to the obligations and duties outlined by his contract, and he cannot carry out (other) entertainment activities.”

From Girls' Generation To SHINee: 6 K-pop Songs Originally Sung By Western Artists

EXO Tao

SM mentioned that various organisations in China, including the Publishers’ Association of China, have concluded that from the aspect of workplace ethics, “the contract must be respected, and one should not engage in actions affecting the faith and order of the industry”.

Thus, SM said:

(Wu Yi Fan), Luhan, and Tao are not respecting their contracts.

“Rather than faith, they are pursuing immediate monetary profit, unilaterally trying to back out of their exclusive contracts, in what is clearly a breach of the original contract terms. They are negatively affecting the promotion of cultural exchange and cooperation between Korea and China in the private sector, and are affecting well-intentioned third parties, as well,” they added.

What do you think of the lawsuit against Tao? Do you think it’s right for them do that? Share your thoughts in the comments box below.

UPDATE (25th September, 3:30pm):

Things are starting to get real intense as Tao and the Chinese label that assisted in launching his album claim that SM Entertainment is attempting to manipulate media with their lawsuit against their former artiste.

They added by saying that while Tao’s attempt to amend the situation, the Korean entertainment giant attempted to manipulate the media with their exaggerated truths. Tao posted his statement regarding the lawsuit via his workshop on 23rd September.

You can read the full statement below:

https://twitter.com/BaiduTaoBar/status/646502851691200512

“The explanation that SM released was full of falsehoods, so we are releasing the following statement in order to make the truth known and protect Tao’s honor.

“1. After Tao and SM signed an exclusive contract, the agency was negligent in their guarantee of basic living needs, and throughout his time promoting [in Korea], Tao put off treatment for the scars he received. In addition, there were a lot of issues, not excluding discrimination of Chinese artists, which led to severe mental and physical stress on Tao. Even in this situation, Tao stayed with SM and openly expressed his displeasure with the unfair treatment, hoping for improvement. However, SM did not do anything. When Tao returned with an injury and was receiving treatment, he and his father attempted to negotiate with SM over eight times, but were met each time with a harsh proposal from SM, who said that they could not change the contract. You can plainly see SM’s insincere attitude and lack of respect for Tao.

“Because of this, Tao filed a lawsuit against SM to end his contract, submitted on August 24 of 2015. After continued tolerance of the above actions [of SM], Tao couldn’t take it in the end and sued.

“2. SM’s statement contains exaggerated truths. Taking Tao’s lawsuit and expanding it into an issue of cultural relations between Korea and China is [SM’s] method of attempting to ruin Tao’s future entertainment activities. We find this quite regrettable. Third parties cannot intervene in Tao and SM’s legal battle and it will bring no results. SM’s abuse of the legal process isn’t any help in resolving this issue. Moreover, according to stipulations outlined in the exclusive contract, any legal disagreements between Tao and SM must be dealt with in Korea, and SM’s lawsuit in China is not in accord with those stipulations.

“We are releasing the above explanation in order to block SM’s attempt at media manipulation. In the case of any future statements attempting to defame Tao, we will take legal action to protect our rights.”

Tao

What do you think about Tao’s statement regarding SM’s lawsuit? Which side are you on? Share your thoughts in the comments box below.

From NCT’s Mark To EXO’s Kai: SM Entertainment Groups & Idols’ Music Plans For Early 2025

*PS: Thanks Twitter user @hanulyi for the tip.

Source: Soompi (1) (2)

#HuangZitao#SMEntertainment#ZTAOEXOEXO ChinalineEXO possible departureEXO ScandalEXO TaoEXO Tao rumoursEXO Tao SoloEXO Tao Solo ActivitiesEXO Tao Solo MusicEXO Tao Solo StudioEXO-MEXO-M TaoHuang Z TaoHuang Z Tao 2015Huang ZitaoHuang Zitao ChinaHuang Zitao Solo ActivitiesHuang Zitao Solo ScheduleK-popK-Pop 2015Rumours about EXOSM EntertainmentSM Entertainment Contract With TaoSM Entertainment Files Lawsuit Against TaoTaoTao Leaving EXOTao Officially WIthdrawn From EXOTao possible departure from EXOTao to leave EXOTao's Chinese Entertainment ActivitiesWhat happened to EXOWhat happened to TaoWhy Did SM Entertainment File Lawsuit Against TaoWhy does Tao wanna leave EXO
https://lomp.at/eztfj
Share10SendTweet6Share

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news. 

FOLLOW THE HYPE

Source: Instagram/era.je, Instagram/bellaastillah
Celebrity

(Video) Bella Astillah Joins Era FM; Syed Saddiq’s Sweet Call & Skydiving Wedding Tease

by Melissa
September 22, 2025

Bella Astillah is stepping into a brand-new role as she officially joins ERA FM as a radio announcer for the...

Read more
SOURCE: TWITTER (@Tobey_MCU)
Celebrity

Tom Holland Hospitalised After Suffering Mild Concussion While Filming “Spider-Man”

The new “Spider-Man” installation has begun production, garnering the attention of comic book and film fans globally. However, the filming...

Read more
by Adleena
September 22, 2025
Concerts

Concert Review: B.I’s “The Last Parade” KL Show Was Something “To Die For”

Last year, B.I (비아이) gave fans an unforgettable show, one of the highlights being when he brought a few lucky...

Read more
by Afiq Amin
September 22, 2025
SOURCE: WEIBO (于朦胧)
Celebrity

Videos Of Late Actor Yu Menglong Sending Distress Signal Resurfaces Amid Allegations About Death

The death of Chinese actor Yu Menglong (于朦胧) is still shrouded in mystery with many more allegations popping up, hinting...

Read more
by Adleena
September 22, 2025
Source: Facebook/Siti Nurhaliza
Celebrity

“I Didn’t Expect It”: Siti Nurhaliza Reacts To Being Named As Southeast Asian Living Music Legend

With a career spanning over three decades and more than 300 awards to her name, Dato Sri Siti Nurhaliza has...

Read more
by Melissa
September 22, 2025
SOURCES: INSTAGRAM (@xuan.com.my & @conundreem)
Celebrity

(Video) Aaron Kwok Talks About His Relationship With His Children & Preparation For Kid No.3

If you didn’t know, Hong Kong star Aaron Kwok (郭富城) recently graced the opening ceremony of the 2025 Hong Kong...

Read more
by Adleena
September 22, 2025
Source: Facebook/KATSEYE
Celebrity

From Jollibee To Gap: KATSEYE’s Game-Changing Brand Collaborations

In an industry saturated with fleeting virality and one-hit wonders, KATSEYE’s rise feels anything but accidental. In less than a...

Read more
by Melissa
September 21, 2025
Source: IG/klp48official/lucine.klp48
Celebrity

(Video) KLP48’s Lucine Announces Departure From Group; Members Share Heartfelt Messages

We witnessed the debut of AKB48’s first Malaysian sister group, KLP48, in 2024. The group has grown steadily since making...

Read more
by Afiq Amin
September 19, 2025
Load More


TOP STORIES TODAY

  1. 1

    (Video) “Counting The Days, 9 More To Go”: Bella Astillah’s Post Sparks Marriage Rumours

  2. 2

    Videos Of Late Actor Yu Menglong Sending Distress Signal Resurfaces Amid Allegations About Death

  3. 3

    (Video) Ernie Zakri Shares How Amira Othman Asked Her To Be Her Bridesmaid

  4. 4

    (Video) China Tourist Slammed For Disrespecting Starbucks Barista At KLIA

  5. 5

    ALPHA: Meet The 7 Members Of Astro’s New Boy Group From “Big Stage Alpha”

Malaysia’s live-wire for the latest news, trends, and entertainment is finally here. We are your calendar, your grapevine, your comic relief, your post-event coverage, and your celebrity stalker. Did we also mention that we are also your gateway to the world?



Contact us: newsdesk@hype.my



  • About
  • Advertise
  • Jobs
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy

©2025 Vijandren Ramadass. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Hype Picks
    • Go
    • Eats
    • Style
    • Streams
    • Concerts
  • Celebs
    • K-pop
  • Music
    • Reviews
    • Interviews & Features
  • Movies & TV
    • Movies
    • TV
    • Features
  • Lifestyle
    • Tech
    • Travels
    • News
  • Giveaways
    • Contests

©2025 Vijandren Ramadass. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Hype Picks
    • Go
    • Eats
    • Style
    • Streams
    • Concerts
  • Celebs
    • K-pop
  • Music
    • Reviews
    • Interviews & Features
  • Movies & TV
    • Movies
    • TV
    • Features
  • Lifestyle
    • Tech
    • Travels
    • News
  • Giveaways
    • Contests

©2025 Vijandren Ramadass. All Rights Reserved.