Tao, formerly of K-pop act EXO, has lost a lawsuit against S.M. Entertainment.

The agency said Tuesday that the Supreme Court dismissed Tao’s appeal last week, declaring a contract between the former EXO member and the agency still valid.

Tao, who hails from China, and S.M. have been embroiled in a legal battle since he sued the agency in August 2015 over the invalidity of his exclusive contract, citing a lack of freedom due to the long contract period of 10 years, and accusing the contract of unfair division of profits.

The court had ruled in favor of S.M in April last year, with Tao losing an appeal in October the same year.

S.M. stated in an official statement, “Following the Supreme Court’s ruling that reaffirms Tao’s exclusive contract with the agency, it has been clarified that Tao must follow the contract.”

“We welcome the court’s wise ruling, and will do our best to build a culture of trustworthy contracts for the sake of the Asian entertainment industry’s development.”

Since leaving the group in April 2015, Tao has been carrying out promotional activities in China under his own Chinese agency. He will also star as a head producer in the upcoming Chinese version of the Korean audition show “Produce 101,” which will air in April.

(lotus@heraldcorp.com)