On April 6, it was announced that Ten’s contract with SM will conclude on April 8. However, he will continue participating in WayV and NCT activities when possible.
Read the full notice below:
Hello, this is SM Entertainment.
We would like to begin by expressing our sincere gratitude to everyone who continues to support WayV with unwavering love and encouragement.
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. Moving forward, we will continue to stay in close communication to explore opportunities for Ten to participate in WayV and NCT activities, where possible.
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.
SM Entertainment remains committed to supporting WayV’s ongoing activities, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to fans for the continued love and support. We will continue to do our utmost to honor that support.
Thank you.
Following the announcement, Ten shared the following letter on his personal Instagram account:
Hi Czennies and WayZenNies, 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’ve spent with you-as a member of NCT, WayV, the SMTOWN family, and as “TEN” whom you’ve come to 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’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.
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! Being given the opportunity to learn, perform and grow as an artist at SM is something that I will always be grateful for and hold close to my heart.
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. 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, it means more to me than I can express into words.
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!
Please continue to give your love and support to NCT, WayV, and me.
With all my love,
TEN
The news follows earlier reports of Mark parting ways with SM Entertainment and withdrawing from NCT 127 & NCT Dream. In TEN’s case, however, the possibility of participating in WayV and NCT activities remains open.
