Exo Tao's attendance has been confirmed for his birthday celebration in China on May 2 that will be streamed via Baidu Tieba. This will also be his first public appearance since the controversy of him leaving the group.
As to date, no direct confirmation from the Korean popular boy band member himself was publicized even after his father made his disagreements with his current career known through Weibo.
The celebration of his 22nd birthday has been arranged by his Chinese Fansite Precious Tao Bar who also expressed their support for Tao regardless of his decision.
The rumor of Tao leaving and his father confirming Tao's agreement with his proposal on an interview by Sina left Exo-Ls (Exo's official fanclub) with no hope of protecting the unity of the members as Exo at the present.
Tao's father first posted a letter on April 22 citing his request for his Agency SM Entertainment to release his son due to health reasons. SM Entertainment then responded that they are working hard to arrive at a suitable agreement with Tao's father.
However, it has been cleared that there was a mistranslation of Tao's father's statements on his interview with Sina and that Tao only agreed to discuss the contract termination - in respect for his father's wishes.
It has also been clarified that his close friend and co-star Xiao Ming's phone call with Tao did not have Tao confirm his departure from Exo but that "he might release a statement soon."
Tao posted a statement on Weibo translating, "I'm sorry. Thank you." referring to the support and messages from fans he was receiving ever since the controversy.
A glimmer of hope, however, calms the fans counting on his promise during a variety show "Laws of the Jungle" to which he shed tears while stating, "I don't want to go either... But because my fans in China are waiting... I will go, work hard, and come back. I didn't want to cry, but I'm so touched. As I promised, I will come again, so when I return, I will be a man that can take care of everyone. Fighting! I love you."
Meanwhile, Tao's fans and Exo-Ls are expecting Tao on his birthday party and promotion of his new movie "You are My Sunshine" in Beijing, China tomorrow to answer questions to end the rumors whether he is fulfilling his promise now or will he succumb to his father's protests to leave Exo and improve his health?
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