Huang Zitao
Huang Zitao, also known by his stage name Tao, is a Chinese singer, rapper, songwriter, dancer, record producer, actor, and model. He is a former member of the South Korean-Chinese boy band EXO and its sub-unit EXO-M.
Early life and career:
Huang Zitao was born on May 2, 1993, in Qingdao, Shandong, China, the second son in his family. He studied at Qingdao No. 2 Middle School and later transferred to Beijing Haidian Foreign Language Shi Yan School in Beijing.
Huang Zitao started his entertainment career in 2010 when he joined SM Entertainment's global audition program, "SM Global Audition." He passed the audition and became a trainee at SM Entertainment in Seoul, South Korea.
EXO and EXO-M:
In 2011, Huang Zitao was introduced as a member of SM Entertainment's pre-debut project group, EXO. The group was divided into two sub-units, EXO-K and EXO-M, with Huang Zitao being part of EXO-M. EXO debuted on April 8, 2012, with the song "MAMA."
EXO-M gained popularity in China and became one of the most popular boy bands in the country. Huang Zitao contributed to the group's success through his exceptional rapping and dancing skills.
Departure from EXO:
In 2015, Huang Zitao filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment to terminate his contract with the company. The lawsuit cited health issues and unfair treatment as reasons for his departure.
After a lengthy legal battle, Huang Zitao officially left EXO and SM Entertainment in 2016. He returned to China and established his own agency, Huang Zitao Studio.
Solo career:
Since leaving EXO, Huang Zitao has focused on his solo career in China. He has released numerous successful albums and singles, including "TAO," "The Road," "Crown," and "Needle."
Huang Zitao has also made a name for himself as an actor, starring in several films and television series. Some of his notable acting roles include the films "Run for Love" (2016), "Railroad Tigers" (2016), and "The Battle at Lake Changjin" (2021), and the television series "The Negotiator" (2018) and "The Great Battle" (2019).
Personal life:
Huang Zitao is known for his outspoken personality and his love for fashion and art. He is considered a trendsetter in China and has collaborated with various fashion brands and magazines.
Huang Zitao is fluent in Mandarin, Korean, and English. He is also a skilled dancer and martial artist.
Philanthropy:
Huang Zitao is actively involved in philanthropy and has made significant contributions to various charitable causes. In 2018, he established the Huang Zitao Charity Foundation to support education, healthcare, and environmental protection projects.
Huang Zitao is a popular and influential figure in China and continues to captivate audiences with his talent and charisma across the entertainment industry.
