In a move that signals a potential shift in how K-pop agencies manage talent and group longevity, singer Ten is leaving SM Entertainment while maintaining his active membership in both NCT and WayV.
SM Entertainment announced Monday that Ten’s exclusive contract with the agency will officially conclude on Wednesday, April 8. However, unlike typical departures in the industry, the agency confirmed that Ten will continue to participate in the future activities of his groups, creating a hybrid relationship between the artist and the label.
“After a lengthy discussion with Ten regarding his future activities, we have decided to end his exclusive contract on April 8,” SM Entertainment stated in a press release. The agency added that they will continue to communicate with the artist to ensure his ongoing involvement with WayV and NCT.
A New Blueprint for Group Membership
The decision for Ten to remain in NCT and WayV after the expiration of his exclusive contract is a rare arrangement in the K-pop ecosystem. Typically, the end of a contract with a primary agency results in a total severance from the associated groups, as the label manages the intellectual property and scheduling for the ensemble.
By decoupling the “exclusive agency contract” from “group membership,” SM Entertainment is essentially allowing Ten to pursue independent solo ventures or sign with another label for his individual work while remaining a functional part of the group’s brand. This arrangement suggests a more flexible approach to idol careers, prioritizing the stability of the group’s lineup over total corporate control of the artist.
The agency expressed gratitude for the singer’s contributions, noting that Ten has “shown outstanding capabilities as a group member and as a solo artist since his debut.”
The Arc of a Multi-Hyphenate Artist
Ten has been one of the most versatile figures in the SM Entertainment roster since his debut in 2016. Originally introduced as a member of NCT U, a rotational subunit of the larger NCT collective, he quickly became known for his technical dance prowess and vocal agility.
His career expanded significantly with the launch of WayV, the NCT subunit specifically designed to target the Chinese music market. Ten’s bilingual capabilities and performance style made him a cornerstone of WayV’s identity. He further extended his global reach as a member of SuperM, the “Avengers of K-pop” project formed in collaboration with Capitol Music.
In recent years, Ten has shifted more focus toward his identity as a solo performer, most recently highlighted by the release of his second EP, Stunner, in 2025. This solo trajectory likely informed the “lengthy discussions” regarding his future, as the artist sought a balance between group obligations and individual creative autonomy.
| Year | Milestone / Group | Role/Market Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | NCT U Debut | Global/Korean Market |
| 2018 | WayV Launch | Chinese Market Focus |
| 2019 | SuperM Debut | Global/US Market Focus |
| 2025 | “Stunner” EP | Solo Artistry |
| 2026 | Contract Expiration | Independent Solo / Group Member |
A Period of Transition for NCT
Ten’s departure from the agency comes during a volatile week for the NCT brand. On Friday, SM Entertainment announced that Mark, another pivotal member of the collective, will be leaving both the agency and the band on Wednesday, April 8.
The contrast between the two departures is stark: while Ten has negotiated a path to stay within the group structure, Mark’s exit is absolute. This suggests that the “membership-only” model being applied to Ten may be a case-by-case negotiation rather than a new blanket policy for all departing members.
For fans and stakeholders, the primary concern remains how this will affect the operational logistics of WayV. As a group targeting a specific regional market, the loss of an exclusive contract for a key member could complicate promotional schedules and legal agreements in China, though SM Entertainment has signaled a commitment to ongoing communication with the artist.
The industry will be watching closely to observe if this “partial departure” becomes a trend. If successful, it could provide a roadmap for other veteran idols to transition into independent adulthood without abandoning the groups that launched their careers.
The next official checkpoint for both Ten and Mark will be Wednesday, April 8, when their respective contracts officially terminate. Further details regarding Ten’s new management or future solo projects are expected following that date.
Do you think this new contract model is the future of K-pop? Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the conversation on our social channels.
