Is Huang Zitao Still Friends With EXO Members?

Zhang Yixing, also known as Lay, has been a fascinating figure in the K-pop and C-pop scenes for years. While he's technically still a member of EXO, his activities have largely shifted to his solo career in China. SM Entertainment confirmed he's still part of the group, but he hasn't participated in EXO's recent comebacks or group activities since around 2019 due to his booming solo projects and China's strict Hallyu restrictions. I miss seeing him perform with EXO—their 'Monster' era was legendary—but his solo work like 'Lit' and 'Jade' shows how much he's grown as an artist. It's bittersweet; part of me hopes for a reunion performance someday, but I also respect his hustle. What's cool is how he bridges both worlds. He still reps EXO in interviews and occasionally mentions the members, which warms my fan heart. His Weibo bio even still lists EXO, so the bond's there. If you dive into his solo music, you'll see EXO's influence in his performance style, but blended with traditional Chinese elements—it's a unique mix. Whether he'll return for a group album someday is anyone's guess, but for now, he's killing it as a soloist and actor in China.

The whole situation around Huang Zitao's departure from EXO was such a messy, emotional rollercoaster for fans. I remember being glued to my phone when the news broke, refreshing Weibo every five seconds. From what pieced together later, it seemed like a mix of health issues, unfair treatment, and creative differences. Tao had been dealing with serious injuries—ankle problems that needed surgery—but SM Entertainment kept pushing him to perform. The guy was literally carried off stage at one point! Then there were rumors about him wanting more solo opportunities, which SM notoriously restricts. EXO’s Chinese members had it rough; look at how Kris and Luhan left earlier over similar issues. Tao’s dad even publicly criticized the company’s management style. In hindsight, it felt inevitable, but damn, watching his tearful solo concert after leaving? That hit harder than any fan theory.

Huang Zitao was just 18 years old when he became part of EXO, and honestly, that’s wild to think about. At that age, most of us are stressing over college exams or part-time jobs, but he was already training under SM Entertainment and prepping for debut. I remember watching their early stages—his athleticism in performances like 'MAMA' stood out immediately. The way he flipped and kicked with such precision made it hard to believe he was barely out of high school. It’s even crazier when you realize how much pressure came with that. EXO’s debut was one of the most anticipated in K-pop history, and Tao had to juggle intense training, language barriers, and homesickness while still being a teenager. Looking back, his journey feels bittersweet. He brought so much energy to EXO’s early years, especially with his martial arts flair, but the industry’s demands clearly took a toll. By the time he left in 2015, he’d grown so much as a performer, but you could tell he needed space to forge his own path. It’s inspiring how he transitioned into acting and solo music in China later—proof that his EXO days were just the beginning.

Huang Zitao really came into his own after leaving EXO, diving into solo work with a style that blends hip-hop, pop, and traditional Chinese elements. One of his earliest and most iconic tracks is 'The Road,' which feels like a personal manifesto—raw, defiant, and packed with his signature rap flow. Then there's 'Black White,' a moody banger with trap beats that show off his versatility. His collab with Jony J on 'Beggar' is pure fire, mixing Mandarin and English lyrics seamlessly. And let's not forget 'Misunderstood,' where he gets introspective about fame. His music videos are visual feasts too, like the cinematic 'Hello Hello' with its martial arts themes. Every release feels like he's doubling down on his artistic identity, and I love how unapologetically him it all is. Later drops like 'AI' and 'Awaken' leaned even harder into EDM and futuristic sounds, proving he's not afraid to experiment. 'The Edge' is another standout—those piercing high notes! Honestly, his solo career feels like a rebellion against the K-pop idol mold, and it’s thrilling to watch. The way he infuses tracks with guzheng or Peking opera samples? Chef’s kiss. If you haven’t dug into his post-EXO catalog, you’re missing out on some of the most audacious C-pop out there.

From what I've gathered over the years as a K-pop fan, Huang Zitao's departure from EXO was a pretty complex situation. He left in 2015 citing health issues and unfair treatment by SM Entertainment, but there's always been speculation about whether there were deeper frustrations behind the scenes. His solo career in China took off almost immediately, which makes me think he might not regret the move professionally—he's had way more creative control and opportunities back home. That said, I can't imagine it was an easy decision to walk away from the group dynamic. EXO was (and still is) a global phenomenon, and those bonds formed during training and early fame don't just disappear. In interviews, he's been diplomatic about his time in EXO while clearly embracing his current path. The way he still occasionally references old EXO songs or inside jokes in livestreams suggests there's lingering nostalgia, even if no outright regret.

Huang Zitao has been keeping himself incredibly busy since his EXO days, and honestly, it's impressive how much he's expanded his career. He dove headfirst into acting, starring in films like 'The Brink' and 'Railroad Tigers,' where he got to show off his action chops—something he’s clearly passionate about given his martial arts background. His music career didn’t slow down either; he dropped solo albums like 'The Road,' blending hip-hop with his signature style. What’s really cool is how he’s embraced entrepreneurship too. He founded his own entertainment company, Tao Studio, and even launched a clothing line. It’s like he’s building his own empire while staying true to his artistic roots. Plus, he’s super active on social media, often sharing snippets of his life, workouts, and creative projects—keeping fans in the loop feels like a priority for him.