Ten Leaves SM Entertainment But Stays in NCT & WayV

The K-pop world is buzzing once again as SM Entertainment confirmed on April 6, 2026, that Ten — one of the most versatile and beloved members of NCT and its China-focused subunit WayV — will see his exclusive contract with the agency conclude on April 8, 2026. Despite the departure, Ten is expected to remain active in NCT and WayV group activities where possible, offering a bittersweet but hopeful message to fans worldwide. This announcement comes just days after fellow NCT member Mark Lee made headlines for his own exit from both the label and the group, making this one of the most significant periods of transition in NCT's history.

What SM Entertainment Said About Ten's Contract Conclusion

SM Entertainment released an official statement on April 6, 2026, confirming that Ten's exclusive contract would officially end on April 8. According to Soompi, the agency described the contract conclusion as a mutual decision that was reached following extensive discussions between Ten and the label. This framing suggests the split was amicable rather than contentious — a detail that has provided some reassurance to the fandom known as Ten's Club or the broader NCT fan community, NCTzens.

Crucially, SM Entertainment also clarified that Ten would continue participating in NCT and WayV group activities where possible. This is a significant distinction: unlike some idol departures that result in a clean break from group projects, Ten's situation appears to allow for ongoing collaboration with his fellow members under the NCT umbrella.

Ten's Heartfelt Letter to Fans

Following SM Entertainment's announcement, Ten took to his personal Instagram account to address fans directly with a heartfelt and personal letter. This direct communication is a hallmark of Ten's relationship with his supporters — he has always been known for his authenticity and emotional openness. In the letter, Ten expressed his gratitude and spoke to his continued commitment to his craft and to his fans, even as this chapter with SM Entertainment comes to a close.

According to GMA Network, Ten's message resonated deeply with fans, many of whom flooded social media with supportive messages under trending hashtags almost immediately after the post went live. The personal nature of the letter underscored that while the business arrangement with SM is ending, Ten's bond with his fans and his group remains very much intact.

Ten's Journey: From NCT U to WayV and Beyond

To understand the weight of this moment, it's worth looking back at Ten's remarkable trajectory within SM Entertainment. Born Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul in Thailand, Ten first captured global attention when he debuted as part of NCT U in 2016, one of the original subunits of SM's ambitious NCT project. NCT U was designed as a fluid unit where members could be added or rotated, and Ten's debut performance in "The 7th Sense" immediately established him as a standout artist known for his powerful stage presence and dance ability.

In 2019, Ten became a founding member of WayV, the China-based subunit of NCT. WayV operates largely independently with Mandarin-language music, and Ten's inclusion helped bridge the group's Thai, Chinese, and global fanbases. His work with WayV expanded his artistic portfolio significantly, contributing to numerous albums and cinematic music videos that earned the subunit a dedicated international following.

Beyond NCT and WayV, Ten was also a member of SuperM, the high-profile SM "super group" that included members from EXO, SHINee, NCT 127, and WayV. SuperM debuted in 2019 and became notable for their rapid commercial success, including a number-one debut on the Billboard 200. Ten's inclusion in SuperM further highlighted his status as one of SM's most versatile and marketable talents.

As noted by Tribune.com.pk, Ten has been celebrated throughout his career for his versatility across group and solo projects, consistently pushing creative boundaries in both his performance style and visual artistry.

Ten's Departure in Context: NCT's Shifting Landscape

Ten's exit from SM Entertainment does not exist in a vacuum. Just the prior week, SM Entertainment and NCT made the announcement that Mark Lee — one of the most recognizable faces of NCT 127 and one of the group's Canadian-born rappers — would be departing both NCT and SM Entertainment. Mark's departure was notable precisely because it involved leaving the group entirely, not just the label.

By contrast, Ten's arrangement appears more nuanced. According to MSN Entertainment, Ten is departing SM while continuing to pursue group activities and also setting his sights on new solo challenges. This dual path — remaining part of NCT and WayV while operating outside of SM's exclusive contract — is increasingly common in the K-pop industry, where agencies and artists are finding more flexible arrangements as the genre matures.

These back-to-back announcements signal a period of significant evolution for NCT, a group that has always distinguished itself through its expansive and fluid membership model. For longtime fans, it raises questions about the future shape of the group's various units and how upcoming projects will be structured.

What Does This Mean for Ten's Solo Career?

One of the most anticipated aspects of Ten's post-SM chapter is the potential for an unleashed solo career. Throughout his time at SM, Ten released solo work that was consistently praised for its artistic depth and choreographic innovation — but many fans and industry observers have long felt that his full creative potential was yet to be fully realized.

With his contract concluded, Ten is now free to sign with any agency of his choosing or potentially operate independently, giving him far greater control over his music, image, and release schedule. As MSN Philippines reports, Ten himself has signaled a desire to pursue solo challenges, suggesting fans can expect new and exciting content from him in the months and years ahead.

For fans wanting to celebrate Ten's legacy and upcoming work, there is no shortage of ways to show support. From official NCT and WayV albums to merchandise, the global K-pop market offers countless ways to connect with an artist's journey. Fans looking for NCT WayV official albums or NCT merchandise and fan goods can find a wide selection to commemorate this era of the group's history.

Fan Reactions and the Road Ahead

Unsurprisingly, the dual announcements — SM's official statement and Ten's personal Instagram letter — sent shockwaves through social media. NCTzens and WayV fans expressed a range of emotions, from sadness at the formal end of a long-standing label relationship to cautious optimism about what lies ahead for Ten as a creative individual.

The K-pop industry has seen several high-profile label departures in recent years, and the outcomes have often been positive for the artists involved. Many idols who leave large agencies go on to release some of their most critically and commercially successful work under new arrangements. The hope among Ten's fanbase is that his departure from SM will similarly unlock a new and even more exciting chapter.

For NCT and WayV as groups, the ongoing participation of Ten — even under a non-exclusive arrangement — will be closely watched. How the logistics of group activities are handled, how WayV's releases proceed, and whether Ten appears in future NCT-branded projects will all be key indicators of just how seamless this transition will be in practice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ten Leaving SM Entertainment

Is Ten leaving NCT entirely?

No. While Ten's exclusive contract with SM Entertainment is concluding on April 8, 2026, SM Entertainment has stated that Ten is expected to continue participating in NCT and WayV group activities where possible. This is a key distinction from Mark Lee's departure, which involved leaving the group as well as the label.

Why is Ten leaving SM Entertainment?

SM Entertainment described the contract conclusion as a mutual decision made after extensive discussions. No specific reasons have been publicly detailed by either party, but the framing suggests an amicable separation rather than a conflict-driven split.

When does Ten's SM Entertainment contract officially end?

Ten's exclusive contract with SM Entertainment officially concludes on April 8, 2026, two days after the announcement was made on April 6, 2026.

Will Ten release new solo music after leaving SM?

While no specific projects have been announced, Ten has indicated in his letter to fans that he intends to pursue new solo challenges. Fans can expect announcements about his future musical direction in the coming months.

How long was Ten with SM Entertainment?

Ten debuted with NCT U in 2016, meaning he was with SM Entertainment for approximately a decade before his contract concluded in April 2026.

Conclusion

Ten's departure from SM Entertainment marks the end of a defining decade-long chapter in one of K-pop's most storied careers. From his electrifying debut with NCT U in 2016, through the launch of WayV in 2019, and his high-profile work with SuperM, Ten has consistently proven himself to be among the most talented and multidimensional performers in the industry. While the conclusion of his SM contract on April 8, 2026, closes one door, the promise of continued NCT and WayV participation alongside new solo endeavors opens many others. For fans and industry observers alike, the next chapter of Ten's career is one of the most eagerly anticipated stories in K-pop right now.