Ten will leave SM Entertainment on April 8, 2026, ending a 10-year contract with the agency, but the Thai-born singer will continue as a member of NCT and WayV — a move that is rapidly drawing attention across the K-pop industry. The announcement, confirmed by SM on April 6, follows discussions over Ten’s future career direction and comes just days after a similar high-profile exit involving fellow NCT member Mark.
The agency said it would “coordinate” Ten’s participation in future group activities, signalling that while his exclusive contract is ending, his role within SM’s flagship boy band remains intact. The arrangement reflects a growing shift in how K-pop agencies manage long-standing artists whose initial contracts have reached their natural end.
Ten, whose real name is Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul, debuted in April 2016 as part of NCT U with the track “The 7th Sense.” Over the past decade, he has become a central figure within the NCT system, later joining WayV — the China-focused subunit — and SuperM, a global project group launched in partnership with Capitol Music Group in 2019.
His departure from SM does not mark a withdrawal from these groups. Instead, it highlights an evolving structure in which artists can pursue independent careers while remaining tied to group identities that continue to generate global revenue and fan engagement.
Part of a broader shift at SM Entertainment
The timing of Ten’s exit has intensified scrutiny of SM’s contract strategy. Just three days earlier, the company confirmed that NCT member Mark would also leave the agency — though unlike Ten, Mark’s departure included his exit from group activities. The contrast between the two cases has sparked debate about whether SM is adopting more flexible arrangements for certain artists.
Both Ten and Mark reached the 10-year milestone typical of K-pop’s standard contract cycle, suggesting that their decisions are tied to long-term career planning rather than sudden changes. Similar precedents have emerged in recent years, including Red Velvet members Wendy and Yeri, who ended exclusive contracts with SM while continuing group promotions.
This pattern points to a broader recalibration within the industry, where agencies appear increasingly willing to separate management contracts from group membership in order to retain valuable intellectual property and fan loyalty.
What changes — and what stays the same
For Ten, the end of his exclusive contract opens the door to greater autonomy. As an independent artist, he is expected to have more control over solo releases, endorsements and international projects, particularly given his strong presence across multiple markets. Fluent in Thai, English, Korean and Chinese, he has long been positioned as one of SM’s most globally adaptable performers.
At the same time, his continued involvement in NCT and WayV ensures stability for fans and for the group’s ongoing activities. SM said it would continue to support WayV members and coordinate schedules, although such arrangements often depend on complex negotiations between agencies, management teams and the artist himself.
The hybrid model — leaving an agency but staying in a group — remains relatively rare but is becoming more visible as second- and third-generation K-pop idols enter new stages of their careers. It allows companies to preserve group brands while giving artists the flexibility to expand beyond the traditional agency system.
Ten’s position is particularly significant given his role as SM Entertainment’s first Thai artist and one of its most recognisable international stars. Known for his dance ability and stage presence, he has built a reputation as one of the most versatile performers in K-pop, balancing group work with successful solo projects in South Korea and Japan in 2024 and 2025.
His next steps are likely to be closely watched. Industry observers see his case as a potential indicator of how future contract negotiations may unfold for other NCT members, including Taeyong, Doyoung and Jaehyun, as well as artists from newer groups under SM.
For now, Ten’s departure marks not a break, but a transition — one that reflects a changing industry where control is gradually shifting toward artists without fully dismantling the group structures that made them successful. Further details on the company’s artist management approach can be found on SM Entertainment’s official website.
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