Despite not actively promoting with the group, fans are surprised to see Huang Zitao (Tao) included in an upcoming toy line featuring members of EXO.

On Wednesday, record label SM Entertainment announced online that a new line of merchandise called Paper Toy will be released on June 18 featuring members of EXO. And while Kris Wu and Luhan were not included, a toy figure for Tao was included despite ongoing discussions of him possibly leaving the group.

"So first they change the number of objects/members in the opening video for the [EXO Planet #2: The EXO'luXion] concert from 10 to nine, and then they release paper toys of 10 members with Tao," noted A_dead_Teemo on reddit.

"Stop playing with us."

After stopping promotional activities with EXO, news outlets reported Tao setting up his own studio in China. On Friday, SM Entertainment released a statement on the matter.

"We heard the news about Tao Workshop [Huang Z. TAO Studio,]" SM Entertainment's official statement said, according to eNews. "We are still discussing how to head in a progressive direction."

Despite the ongoing controversy, Tao updated fans on Instagram with a photo at Disneyland on Tuesday. Reportedly, the Chinese rapper is in the US to recuperate from his injuries.

Meanwhile, SM Entertainment has reportedly objected to the final compulsory arbitration with regards to the lawsuits brought on by Kris and Luhan. According to allkpop, the objection through the Seoul Central District Court will take the legal battle to court, despite Kris and Luhan accepting the terms of compulsory arbitration.

In February, SM Entertainment filed a lawsuit against Kris and Luhan for allegedly violating their contracts by conducting promotions and pursuing projects in China. After filing the lawsuit in Shanghai, SM Entertainment also filed a similar lawsuit against Luhan through Hong Kong on Feb. 10.