Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul, professionally known as Ten, is leaving SM Entertainment, the company announced on April 6. Originally from Thailand, Ten joined SM Entertainment as a trainee in 2013. He debuted as a member of NCT U in April 2016. In 2019, he debuted as a member of China-based NCT unit WayV. He was later part of SuperM and a solo artist under the company.
“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," SM Entertainment wrote on Weverse. “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.”
News of Ten's contract conclusion arrives just days after Mark Lee announced his own departure from SM Entertainment for the same reason. However, unlike Mark, it looks like Ten is only exiting the company and will still remain a member of WayV and NCT.
“Moving forward, we will continue to stay in close communication to explore opportunities for TEN to participate in WayV and NCT activities, where possible,” SM Entertainment clarified in its statement. Other idols, like EXO's D.O., have also left SM Entertainment but still participated in group activities afterward.
Shortly after his departure from SM Entertainment was made public, Ten took to his Instagram stories to address fans directly with his own statement, which he posted in Korean, English, and Thai.
“It's hard to believe that it's been 10 years since my debut with NCT U in 2016,” Ten wrote in the English statement. “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."
Ten added that SM will always be “home” to him and he will “forever be proud to say that I grew up at SM—especially as the first Thai artist to do so.” He added, “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.”
In another slide, he continued: “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,” Ten's statement continued. “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!”
You can see the full statement below:
Despite his scheduled departure from SM Entertainment on April 8, Ten is reportedly set to appear on the K*Pop Masterz events in Bangkok, Thailand, and Yokohama, Japan, in late April and May, respectively.
