Thai K-pop star Ten shocked fans by leaving SM Entertainment today, just days after Mark Lee’s surprise exit. But here’s the plot twist: the NCT and WayV member will continue performing with both groups. What does this unprecedented split mean for K-pop’s biggest supergroup?

Breaking from SM, Staying with Brothers

In a statement released early April 6, SM Entertainment confirmed the separation that nobody expected. Ten isn’t going anywhere his fans care about. “Following careful and extensive discussions regarding Ten’s future direction,” according to SM’s official notice, both parties agreed to end his exclusive contract effective April 8.

What makes this different from Mark’s departure three days earlier is extraordinary: Ten remains fully attached to both NCT and WayV. SM pledged to coordinate his continued participation “where possible,” signaling this isn’t a clean break. The Thai idol will continue earning the love of two massive global fanbases.

Who Is Ten and Why Does This Matter So Much?

Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul, known as Ten, was born **February 27, 1996** in Bangkok, Thailand. He’s SM’s first Thai idol and the crown jewel of international K-pop representation. Ten debuted with NCT U in 2016 and became founding member of WayV in 2019, the Chinese-focused sister group.

Over ten years at SM, Ten established himself as a multi-talented performer. His name comes from Kraten, the Thai word for kingfisher. Fluent in Thai, English, Chinese, and Korean, Ten serves as a cultural bridge between SM’s Korean, Chinese, and international rosters. Fans call him the “Thailand Prince” for his undeniable artistry.

What Changed: The Contract Details

“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, Official Statement

The Bigger Picture Behind These Exits

Ten and Mark’s departures suggest a massive shift in SM’s contract strategy. Mark, born June 3, 1999 in Toronto, left NCT completely after exactly ten years signed to SM. Ten hit the same ten-year milestone in 2026. This timing isn’t accidental. “After ten years,” both idols apparently negotiated independence from SM‘s exclusive management.

This mirrors Red Velvet’s Wendy and Yeri who left SM‘s exclusive label under similar circumstances while staying with their group. It signals a new K-pop reality: labels and groups are separating. Ten’s multi-group participation in NCT, WayV, and SuperM made him especially valuable independent. He can now pursue solo projects and endorsements without SM’s commission.

What Happens Next for Ten and K-pop’s Future?

The biggest question lingering: what does independent Ten do with his newfound freedom? SM confirmed they’ll coordinate his group participation “where possible,” leaving substantial wiggle room. Will Ten launch a fully independent solo career like his former labelmates? Can he maintain WayV activities across SM‘s jurisdiction while personally detached?

K-pop fans should watch closely. If Ten thrives outside SM’s walls, expect a domino effect. Taeyong, Doyoung, and Jaehyun of NCT face contract decisions soon. Karina and Giselle of aespa will negotiate their own terms. SM’s grip on its biggest artists is visibly loosening. Will Ten’s experiment inspire a wholesale K-pop restructuring?

Sources

• Soompi – Exclusive coverage of Ten’s official statement and SM Entertainment announcement
• Korea JoongAng Daily – Breaking news confirmation of contract conclusion on April 8
• Star News Korea – Details on WayV activity coordination post-departure

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