NCT’s Ten Ends SM Contract but Remains in NCT and WayV

Background

Thai‑born singer‑dancer Ten, a core member of SM Entertainment’s global boy band NCT and its Chinese sub‑unit WayV, has been with the agency since his debut in 2016.

Contract termination

On April 6, SM announced that after in‑depth discussions the exclusive contract with Ten would conclude on April 8. The agency described the decision as a mutual agreement following a “lengthy discussion” about his future.

Future group activities

SM added that it will stay in close communication with Ten to explore opportunities for him to participate in NCT and WayV projects when possible. Both the company and the artist emphasized that the split will not affect his membership in the two groups.

Implications for fans and the market

Ten’s departure marks the first time a high‑profile NCT member has left SM while retaining group ties. Analysts note that SM’s willingness to coordinate cross‑group activities could set a precedent for flexible artist arrangements in the K‑pop industry, potentially influencing how other agencies manage multinational idol line‑ups.

What’s next

Fans can expect Ten to appear in upcoming NCT and WayV releases, though the exact schedule remains to be clarified. The situation will be closely watched as it unfolds across the US K‑pop fan community.