Ten Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul, a prominent member of the K-pop group NCT, has officially terminated his exclusive contract with SM Entertainment. The singer, known mononymously as Ten, made the announcement on March 8, 2025, through a handwritten letter posted on his social media channels. His Departure follows that of fellow member Mark Lee, who left the agency earlier in the year, signaling a period of significant change for the multinational boy band.
The artist expressed his gratitude to the company and his fans in his statement. “I would like to sincerely thank the members of SM Entertainment who have worked with me for a long time,” Ten wrote. He also directly addressed his supporters, stating, “I would like to thank my fans for their love and support.” The note did not specify his future career plans or his status with the NCT group’s various sub-units moving forward.
Background and Career with SM Entertainment
Ten, a Thai singer and dancer, debuted under SM Entertainment in 2016 as part of the rotational unit NCT U. He later became a fixed member of the sub-unit WayV, which promotes primarily in China, and also participated in the supergroup SuperM. Recognized for his exceptional dance skills and stage presence, he developed a substantial international fanbase during his tenure with the label.
SM Entertainment, one of South Korea’s largest entertainment companies, established the NCT brand with a unique “unlimited members” system. This structure allows for members to join and promote with different sub-units based in various cities. Ten’s activities spanned multiple units within this expansive system.
Company Confirmation and Industry Context
SM Entertainment confirmed the end of its contractual relationship with Ten in a brief official statement. The agency acknowledged his contributions and wished him success in his future endeavors. This exit is part of a broader trend of established K-pop artists choosing not to renew exclusive contracts with major agencies upon expiration, often to pursue independent activities or establish their own companies.
The departure of two high-profile members in a short timeframe raises questions about the stability and future direction of the NCT brand. Industry analysts note that member changes, while impactful, are not uncommon in long-running K-pop groups, especially those with large rosters.
Fan Reaction and Next Steps
The news prompted a widespread reaction from fans, known collectively as NCTzens, across social media platforms. Many expressed support for Ten’s decision while also voicing concern over the group’s continuity. Fan projects organizing supportive messages and trending hashtags began shortly after the announcement.
Official timelines for Ten’s future projects have not been released. Attention now turns to SM Entertainment for clarification on how NCT’s upcoming schedules and musical releases will be affected. The agency is expected to provide further details regarding group activities and any potential changes to unit lineups in the coming weeks.
Source: Mashable
