Former EXO member and Chinese entertainer Huang Zitao has publicly criticized a dental clinic after employees allegedly took photos of him during a treatment session and used them for promotional purposes without his consent.
The controversy erupted after a clinic staff member uploaded a photo of Tao sitting in a dentist chair to WeChat Moments. The post not only featured the image but also revealed details about the singer’s dental treatment history, including previous veneer procedures and recent inlay work.
The employee reportedly thanked Huang Zitao for trusting the clinic and then revealed information about his dental procedures. The post stated that the celebrity had previously received 16 veneers before returning to the clinic for further treatments. The unauthorized sharing of photos and medical information quickly drew criticism from fans, who questioned the clinic’s handling of patient privacy.
Huang Zitao later addressed the issue directly on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, making it clear that he was deeply troubled by what he considered to be a serious violation of privacy. The singer explained that he returned to the clinic out of respect for a late dentist, Dr. Wu, who had treated him in the past. “If it weren’t for Doctor Wu, who treated me when he was alive, I wouldn’t have come back.”
Instead of receiving the professional experience he expected, Huang Zitao said he found himself being used as promotional material without his knowledge or permission.
The former idol did not spare himself in criticizing the clinic staff, accusing them of a lack of professionalism and fundamental respect for patients. Huang Zitao stressed that his celebrity status was not the central issue. Rather, he argued that no patient should have photos taken and distributed without consent. “Who I am or what I do is not important. What matters is that you secretly took photos of me and spread them without my permission.” He also urged the clinic to act more responsibly, reportedly telling staff to do so “feel a little ashamed when doing business.”
Following Huang Zitao’s public statement, many fans expressed support for the singer, arguing that medical facilities have a responsibility to protect patients’ privacy regardless of a person’s fame. The incident has sparked broader online discussions about ethical conduct in healthcare, particularly when dealing with celebrities whose personal information and images can easily attract public attention.
Since leaving EXO in 2015, Huang Zitao has built a successful career in China as a singer, actor, producer and television personality. Over the years, he has remained one of the most recognizable former K-pop idols in the Chinese entertainment industry.
The latest controversy, however, has shifted attention away from his professional activities and toward concerns about privacy rights and the responsibilities of companies that deal with public figures.
Sources: Koreaboo
