NCT member Ten is embarking on a new chapter in his career.
On the 6th, SM Entertainment (hereafter SM), Ten’s agency, announced the conclusion of his exclusive contract, effective from the 8th. SM stated, “We express our sincere gratitude to Ten, who has showcased outstanding capabilities not only in group activities but also as a solo artist since his debut. We wholeheartedly support Ten’s new beginning.”
Fortunately, while he is leaving SM, Ten is set to continue his group activities. SM confirmed, “We plan to coordinate Ten’s participation in future WayV and NCT group activities.”
On the same day, Ten also shared his thoughts on leaving SM via his personal social media. He stated, “I will continue to spend time with all of you as Ten of NCT and WayV. Simultaneously, I am preparing to embark on new challenges as a solo artist. The time I’ve had to meet you all through my activities with NCT and WayV since debuting with NCT U in 2016 is filled with truly precious and happy memories in my life.”
Ten continued by expressing his gratitude to SM, saying, “There were many unfamiliar and frightening moments when I left Thailand at a young age to come to Korea, but all the staff at SM genuinely looked after me and always stood by my side.”
Acknowledging that this decision wasn’t easy, Ten affirmed his commitment to move forward responsibly and give his best to avoid regret. He confessed, “I am truly grateful to my members who have always supported me to dream bigger, and I extend my deepest thanks to everyone at SM who has believed in me and been with me until now.”
Just three days prior, news broke of fellow NCT member Mark’s departure from SM, which made Ten’s contract termination announcement even more bittersweet for fans.
The silver lining is that while Mark is concluding all NCT activities, including NCT 127 and NCT DREAM, in addition to leaving SM, Ten will maintain his group activities even after parting ways with the agency.
