Formal Announcement from SM Entertainment
SM Entertainment released a formal announcement today, April 6, 2026, confirming that Chittaphon Leeyaikul, known professionally as Ten, has concluded his exclusive contract with the agency. The statement, which appeared on the company’s official communication channels and was subsequently mirrored on community platforms like theqoo, marks the end of a ten-year partnership between the Thai-born artist and the K-pop powerhouse. According to the agency, the decision was reached following extensive discussions ahead of the contract’s expiration date. The company expressed gratitude for Ten’s contributions to the global success of NCT and WayV, stating that they will continue to support his future endeavors from a distance.
Representatives from SM Entertainment indicated that the transition was mutual and professional. This development follows a series of contract renewals and expirations within the NCT ecosystem that have characterized the early half of 2026. While the agency did not disclose specific details regarding the exact hour of the contract’s termination, the announcement was made during the KST business afternoon, sending ripples through the industry and causing an immediate spike in social media engagement. Sources familiar with the matter suggest that Ten had been in talks regarding his career trajectory for several months, weighing the benefits of agency-backed stability against the creative freedom of an independent path.
“Ten has been the backbone of WayV’s performance identity. Seeing him leave SM feels like the end of an era for the group’s original color. I just hope he gets the management he deserves elsewhere.” — Anonymous user on theqoo
A Decade of Artistic Evolution
Ten’s journey with SM Entertainment began when he was introduced as part of the SM Rookies program. His debut with NCT U’s “The 7th Sense” established him as one of the industry’s premier dancers, a reputation he solidified through appearances on performance-centric programs like “Hit the Stage.” Over the next decade, Ten became a vital component of SM’s global strategy, serving as a bridge between the Korean, Chinese, and Southeast Asian markets. His versatility allowed him to move seamlessly between the experimental sounds of NCT U, the Mandopop-focused direction of WayV, and the high-energy performance style of SuperM.
Reflecting on his discography, the release of his first solo mini-album, “TEN,” stands out as a pivotal moment in his career. The project showcased a sophisticated blend of pop and dance, moving away from standard idol tropes to explore more avant-garde concepts. Industry analysts noted at the time that the success of the single “Nightwalker” proved Ten possessed the star power to sustain a solo career independent of group activities. This history of individual success likely played a significant role in the current decision to part ways with his long-time label, as the artist seeks to further define his unique brand in the global music landscape.
The Strategic Impact on WayV and NCT
The departure of a core member raises immediate questions about the future of WayV, the China-based unit of NCT. Ten has consistently served as the group’s center and main dancer, providing a level of performance expertise that is difficult to replicate. While SM Entertainment has not yet announced a restructuring of the group, history suggests that WayV will continue as a five-member unit for the time being. However, the loss of Ten’s global visibility—particularly in Thailand where he holds significant cultural capital—presents a challenge for the agency’s regional marketing strategies. The ‘NCT’ brand, which was built on the concept of infinite expansion and fluid membership, is now entering a phase of stabilization where the departure of veteran members becomes a logistical reality.
Internal sources suggest that WayV’s upcoming 2026 schedule was planned with the possibility of this contract outcome in mind. The group’s recent activities had already begun to shift focus toward the remaining members’ individual strengths, perhaps as a preemptive measure. Nevertheless, Ten’s absence from future NCT-wide projects will be felt. As one of the few members who participated in nearly every major NCT U configuration, his departure signifies a thinning of the ‘original’ lineup that first defined the Neo Culture Technology brand in the mid-2010s. The agency must now decide whether to fill this void with younger talent or allow the existing units to evolve into more traditional, fixed-member groups.
Market Sentiment and Fan Response
Reaction to the news has been swift and multifaceted. On theqoo, the original post regarding the contract termination garnered over 58,000 views within hours, with hundreds of comments reflecting a mix of sorrow and support. Many fans pointed to the perceived lack of consistent solo promotions during his time at SM as a reason for the split. There is a prevailing sentiment among the fanbase that Ten’s talent often outpaced the opportunities provided to him, leading to a vocal demand for him to join an agency that can facilitate a truly global solo tour. This reaction highlights a growing trend in K-pop where fans prioritize the individual artist’s career longevity over loyalty to a specific entertainment company.
“He’s too talented to be restricted by specific regional promotions. I hope his new agency prioritizes a truly global solo tour and lets him release music more frequently than once every two years.” — International fan comment on social media
On the business side, SM Entertainment’s stock saw a minor fluctuation following the announcement, though market analysts suggest this was largely expected. The departure of veteran idols is often priced into the market during contract renewal cycles. However, the long-term impact on the agency’s influence in the Thai market—a region Ten helped secure for SM—remains to be seen. Competitive agencies in both Korea and Southeast Asia are reportedly keeping a close eye on Ten’s status, as he represents a rare combination of high-level performance skill, multilingual capability, and an established international following.
The Global Trajectory of the ‘Thai Ace’
Ten occupies a unique position in the industry as one of the first Thai idols to achieve sustained global success within the K-pop system. Alongside peers like Lisa of BLACKPINK and Bambam of GOT7, he paved the way for a new generation of Southeast Asian talent. His departure from SM Entertainment may signal a move toward a more localized management strategy in Thailand, or perhaps a leap into the Western market. Given his fluency in English and his previous work with SuperM under Capitol Records, a partnership with a US-based label is not outside the realm of possibility. The 2026 music landscape is more decentralized than ever, allowing artists of Ten’s caliber to command significant leverage without the traditional backing of a ‘Big 4’ agency.
Looking at the broader K-pop landscape, Ten’s move reflects a growing autonomy among senior idols. Recently and in early 2026, we have seen an increasing number of artists opting for ‘split’ contracts—where group activities remain with the original agency while solo work is managed independently—or full departures to establish their own labels. While SM’s statement did not mention a split contract for group activities, the wording suggests a clean break. This could mean Ten is looking to redefine himself entirely, perhaps exploring acting or fashion in addition to his musical output. His influence as a fashion icon has already been established through numerous high-profile collaborations with luxury houses, a sector he is likely to expand upon in this new chapter.
Contractual Nuances in the Modern K-Pop Era
The standard seven-year contract model has undergone significant scrutiny and evolution over the past decade. For artists like Ten, who debuted in multiple units and experienced various hiatuses, the calculation of contract length often involves complex negotiations regarding ‘lost time’ due to injury or international scheduling conflicts. The fact that Ten completed a full ten years with SM (including his trainee years and multiple debut cycles) suggests a high level of professional endurance. Journalists covering the beat have noted that SM’s recent management shifts—often referred to as ‘SM 3.0’—have led to a more streamlined but also more rigid structure, which may not always align with the creative needs of established, multi-hyphenate artists.
Furthermore, the legal landscape of K-pop contracts in 2026 has become increasingly favorable toward artist rights regarding intellectual property and social media autonomy. It is highly probable that Ten has retained certain rights to his stage name or at least negotiated a favorable exit clause that allows him to transition his existing brand to a new platform without the legal battles that characterized the industry in previous decades. This professionalized exit strategy is a hallmark of the current era, where both agencies and artists recognize the value of maintaining a positive public image even during a separation.
“SM’s statement was surprisingly respectful. It seems they parted on good terms, which is rare for such high-profile departures. It’s a win-win for everyone if he can still collaborate with the members later.” — Industry forum post
Projected Career Pathways for 2026 and Beyond
As of this afternoon, Ten has not officially signed with a new agency, though rumors are circulating regarding interest from several mid-sized labels known for their artist-centric management. There is also significant speculation that he may follow the path of his contemporaries by founding his own independent label to manage his solo activities in Thailand and Korea. This would allow him maximum creative control over his choreography, music production, and visual concepts—areas where he has already demonstrated significant expertise. For a reporter who has followed Ten’s career since his rookie days, this move feels less like an ending and more like a strategic pivot toward a more authentic artistic identity.
The reporter’s analysis suggests that the industry should expect an announcement regarding his new representation within the next thirty days. In the interim, Ten is expected to focus on personal projects and potentially a series of fan meetings in Southeast Asia to reassure his core demographic. While the loss to SM Entertainment’s roster is undeniable, the gain for the wider music industry is substantial. A ‘free agent’ Ten is a formidable force, capable of disrupting current trends and setting new benchmarks for what a solo artist can achieve in the post-group phase of their career. We will continue to monitor official channels for updates on his next steps.
No additional details regarding his remaining scheduled appearances or the status of his official social media accounts have been released at this time. Representatives from SM Entertainment declined to comment further on the specifics of the non-compete clauses or future collaboration possibilities. This marks the first time since his debut that Ten will be active in the industry without the SM logo attached to his name, a transition that signifies a major shift in the K-pop power structure of 2026.
