Thai singer and dancer Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul, a member of South Korean K-pop boy band NCT, known professionally as Ten, attend a showcase for the release of his solo album ‘Ten’ in Seoul on February 13, 2024. (Photo by Anthony Wallace/AFP) (Photo by Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images)
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Just days after Mark Lee announced he was leaving NCT and SM Entertainment, NCT and Wavey’s Ten will not be renewing their contracts with SM Entertainment, but plan to remain as groups. His contract with SM Entertainment will expire on Wednesday, April 8.
According to SM Entertainment Wavy’s Weverse pageThey said, “After careful and extensive discussions regarding TEN’s future direction, we have reached a mutual understanding with SM Entertainment to terminate their exclusive contract, effective April 8. Moving forward, we will remain in close communication to explore opportunities for TEN to participate in WAV and NCT activities wherever possible.”
The Thai singer-dancer debuted as NCT U, the first sub-unit of SM Entertainment’s 24-member super group, NCT, on April 8, 2016, alongside Jaehyun, Mark, Taeyong, and Doyoung. That NCT U (Taeyong, DoyoungJaehyun, and Mark), Chinese subunit Wavey (with Kun, Winwin, Xiaojun, Hendery, and Yangyang), and SuperM. He has two solo EPs – Ten (2024) and amazing thing (2025). Her debut solo album reached number 3 on the Circle Album Chart and debuted at number 6 on the Japanese Oricon Albums Chart. Their second mini-album topped iTunes album charts in 13 citiesWhich includes Poland, Chile, Peru and New Zealand.
In the press release, SM Entertainment highlighted Ten’s “distinctive artistic presence and breadth of talent” in both his group and solo work. He added, “We sincerely appreciate the time we have spent together, and wish them all the best as they move forward in a new chapter.”
INCHION, SOUTH KOREA – DECEMBER 25: Wavey’s Kun, Yangyang, Hendery and Ten attend the SBS Music Awards 2024 red carpet event at Jung-gu’s Inspire Arena on December 25, 2024 in Incheon, South Korea. (Photo by iMBC/Imazins via Getty Images)
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On his social media pages, Ten released a statement in Korean, English and Thai.
He wrote the following:
Hi CJaneese and VJaneese, it’s ten
It’s hard to believe that it’s been 10 years since my debut with NCT U in 2016!
Looking back, every moment that I have spent with you – as a member of NCT, WAVE, the SMTOWN family and as “Ten” that you know, love and support – has been incredibly meaningful to me and I truly cherish every moment of this journey.
As I approach my 10th anniversary, I find that I want to take on new challenges, explore new possibilities, and discover new versions of myself. Therefore, after much deliberation and many heartfelt discussions with SM members and staff, I have decided to terminate my exclusive contract with the company.
SM will always be my “home”, and I will always be proud to say that I grew up in SM – especially being the first Thai artist to do so! ‘
Being given the opportunity to learn, perform and grow as an artist at SM is something I will always be grateful for and hold close to my heart.
I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has been a part of my journey over the last 10 years. Whatever I am today is because of you all. Thank you to my members and the staff of SM for supporting my decision, and, most importantly, thank you to my fans – my CGenies and VGenies – who have supported and loved me unconditionally. It means more to me than I can express in words.
Moving forward, I will continue my activities as NCT and Wavey’s Ten. Also, I’m excited to show you new sides of “TEN” and grow in new ways as a solo artist in this next chapter.
Please continue to show your love and support to NCT, Wavey and me.
with all my love,
Ten
Like many other artists in the K-pop industry, Ten’s solo activities will no longer be under SM Entertainment, but he will still be active with them as a member of NCT and Wave. Many artists have used this method, including all members of BLACKPINK, SHINee’s Taemin, EXO’s DO, 2NE1’s CL, Pentagon’s KINO, etc.
