MANILA, Philippines — Days after Mark Lee’s departure from SM Entertainment, fellow NCT member Ten will also leave the agency but continue participating in NCT and its subunit WayV, the company said.
SM Entertainment said the decision followed discussions about the artist’s future direction.
“Following careful and extensive discussions regarding Ten’s future direction, we have reached a mutual understanding to conclude his exclusive contract with SM Entertainment, effective April 8,” the company said in an official statement released on Weverse Monday.
Despite his departure from the agency, Ten will remain active in group promotions.
“Moving forward, we will continue to stay in close communication to explore opportunities for TEN to participate in WayV and NCT activities, where possible,” SM Entertainment added.
The agency also highlighted his contributions over the years.
“Throughout his career, TEN has brought a distinctive artistic presence and breadth of talent to both his group and solo work. We sincerely appreciate the time we have shared together, and wish him all the best as he moves forward into a new chapter,” the statement read.
Ten later addressed fans in a statement posted on Instagram, reflecting on his decade-long career with the company.
“I want to sincerely thank everyone who has been part of my journey over these past 10 years. I am who I am today because of all of you,” he wrote. “Thank you to my members and the staff at SM for supporting my decision and, most importantly, thank you to my fans — my Czennies and WayZenNies — who have supported and loved me unconditionally.”
He confirmed he will continue his activities with NCT and WayV while exploring new opportunities as a solo artist.
“Moving forward, I will continue my activities as Ten of NCT and WayV. At the same time, I’m excited to show you new sides of ‘TEN’ and to evolve in new ways as a solo artist in this next chapter!,” he said.
Reflecting on his decision, Ten said it came after months of consideration ahead of a milestone year.
“As I approach my 10th anniversary, I’ve found myself wanting to take on new challenges, explore new possibilities, and discover new versions of myself. So, after a lot of thought and many heartfelt discussions with the members and the staff at SM, I’ve decided to conclude my exclusive contract with the company,” he wrote.
He also expressed gratitude toward the agency.
“SM will always be my ‘home,’ and I will forever be proud to say that I grew up at SM — especially as the first Thai artist to do so!”
Ten debuted in 2016 as part of NCT and later became a member of WayV, SM Entertainment’s China-based unit.
