With this, Tao has stopped promotions with EXO and is currently inactive as a member. Through an interview with Chinese media outlet Sina, Tao's father stated that Tao had agreed to bring up contract termination but an official statement regarding Tao's future with EXO has not yet been released by S.M. Tao's father wanted his son to return to China for treatment of his injuries, stating that as a father, Tao's health and well-being was his first priority. Tao had previously sustained several injuries, including a torn ligament in his ankle, that had not been properly treated and caused him to be absent during music show promotions for Exodus. On April 22, 2015, Tao's father posted a letter through Weibo expressing his sentiments for his son to withdraw from the group and return to China due to lack of support for his son from the company. On February 14, 2012, he made another appearance on another teaser, once again showcasing his martial art skills and fighting with 'enemies'. Along with Lu Han, Chen, and EXO-K's Kai, Tao made his first televised performance on SBS's Gayo Daejun event on December 29, 2011. Entertainment's official Youtube channel, showcasing his martial art skills. On December 27, 2011, Tao was formally introduced to the public as the third member of EXO in a teaser uploaded on S.M. Entertainment and had a training period of less than one year. He was one of the last EXO members to join S.M. Entertainment's global casting system in Qingdao and became an S.M. In 2010, Tao appeared as an extra in the ninth episode of the mainland Chinese idol drama, That Love Comes (欢迎爱光临). He competed in several martial arts championships in Qingdao, and won the 'Top Rap Award' at Beijing 3rd Annual Collage Street Jam. Tao is a martial artist, and has been practicing Wushu since he was five years old.

He attended Humen Centre Primary School, one of the most prestigious primary schools in Qingdao, and Qingdao Middle School. Tao (Korean: 타오), born Huang Zitao (Chinese: 黄子韬 pinyin: Huáng Zitāo, Korean: 황지타오) on (now aged 30), is from Qingdao, Shandong, China.

Tao in exo