NCT’s Ten Leaves SM Entertainment But Remains in NCT and WayV

For the K-pop community in Los Angeles, news like this doesn’t just stay on a screen; it ripples through the cafes of Koreatown and the dance studios across the Westside. The announcement that Ten—the powerhouse Thai singer, dancer, and rapper—is parting ways with SM Entertainment is the kind of industry shift that gets fans talking from the South Bay to the Valley. But there is a massive caveat here that changes the entire conversation: although his exclusive contract with the agency is ending, Ten isn’t actually leaving NCT or WayV. It is a nuanced, almost surgical separation of corporate management and artistic membership that reflects a changing tide in how global idols handle their careers.

To understand why this is a big deal, you have to appear at the trajectory of Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul. Born in Bangkok in 1996 and educated at the Shrewsbury International School, Ten’s journey was never a straight line. Long before the world knew him as Ten, he was a 14-year-old competing on the Thai show Teen Superstar under the name TNT back in 2011. He actually won that competition and was offered a contract with Starship Entertainment, but his family stepped in and didn’t allow him to move. It wasn’t until 2013, after passing an SM Global Audition in Thailand, that the path to South Korea finally opened up. That early resilience is likely what’s driving his current decision to “take on new challenges” and “discover new versions” of himself.

The Complex Architecture of the NCT Ecosystem

The confusion surrounding this news—which we’ve seen play out across social media platforms like Facebook and news outlets like Filmibeat—stems from the sheer complexity of NCT. For those not steeped in the lore, NCT isn’t a traditional group; it’s a system of units. Ten debuted in 2016 as part of NCT U, the first sub-unit, before becoming a central figure in the China-based unit WayV and the supergroup SuperM starting in 2019. Because he operates across so many different labels and units—including SMLabel V and Capitol—the legalities of his departure from SM Entertainment are far more intricate than a standard “quit the band” scenario.

When an idol leaves an “exclusive contract,” it usually means they are no longer under the agency’s total management for all their activities. However, by remaining in NCT and WayV, Ten is essentially decoupling his group identity from his corporate management. This allows him to maintain the brotherhood and the brand equity he’s built since 2016 while gaining the autonomy to explore solo ventures. We’ve already seen the seeds of this independence. Ten has been carving out a distinct solo identity through the SM Station project with tracks like “Dream in a Dream” (2017), “New Heroes” (2018), “Paint Me Naked” (2021), and “Birthday” (2022). His eponymous extended play in February 2024 was the definitive signal that he is an artist capable of standing alone.

This move mirrors a broader trend we are seeing in the global entertainment industry, where artists are pushing back against the “all-or-nothing” nature of legacy contracts. In a city like Los Angeles, where the entertainment industry landscape is constantly shifting, this kind of flexibility is the gold standard. It allows a performer to keep their legacy project (the group) while treating their solo career as a separate business entity. Ten’s letter to his fans, filled with gratitude for SM Entertainment, suggests this is an amicable split—a strategic evolution rather than a bridge-burning exit.

Navigating the “New Version” of Artistry

The phrasing Ten used—wanting to “explore new possibilities”—is a tell-tale sign of an artist seeking creative control. For a performer who is equally skilled as a rapper and a dancer, the constraints of a corporate label can eventually feel like a ceiling. By stepping away from the exclusive contract, he can potentially collaborate with different producers, explore genres outside the Mandopop and K-pop spheres, and manage his own branding without needing a corporate sign-off for every move.

From a socio-economic perspective, this is a win for the “global idol” model. Ten represents a bridge between Thailand, South Korea, and China. As he navigates this transition, he isn’t just a singer; he’s a brand. The fact that he remains in WayV ensures that his presence in the Chinese market remains stable, while his freedom from SM allows him to pivot toward the West or other Asian markets with more agility. It’s a sophisticated play that protects his current income streams while opening the door for exponential growth.

Local Resource Guide for LA Creatives

Given my background in analyzing high-stakes professional transitions, it’s clear that Ten’s situation is a masterclass in contract navigation. If you are a musician, dancer, or digital creator here in Los Angeles facing a similar crossroads—perhaps your initial contract is expiring, or you’re looking to split your group activities from your solo brand—you cannot afford to wing it. The legal environment in California is unique, and the difference between a “clean break” and a “legal nightmare” often comes down to who you have in your corner.

If this trend of artistic autonomy impacts your career in the Los Angeles area, here are the three types of local professionals Try to be consulting:

Entertainment Law Specialists

You need a lawyer who doesn’t just “do contracts” but specializes specifically in the music and talent sector. Look for practitioners who are members of the California State Bar and have a proven track record of negotiating “carve-out” clauses. You want someone who can help you retain your rights to your name and likeness while maintaining a working relationship with a former agency.

Boutique Artist Management Consultants

Moving from a corporate label to independent status requires a total shift in business strategy. Seek out consultants who specialize in “brand pivoting.” The right professional will help you build a sustainable infrastructure for your solo perform—handling everything from tour logistics to digital distribution—without the safety net of a major label.

Intellectual Property (IP) Attorneys

When you leave a label but stay in a group, the ownership of your “image” and your past recordings becomes a gray area. You need an IP expert who can audit your existing agreements and ensure that your future solo works are fully owned by you. Look for attorneys who have experience dealing with the US Copyright Office and international royalty collection societies.

Navigating these waters requires a blend of legal precision and creative intuition. Whether you’re performing at a small venue in Silver Lake or eyeing a global stage, the structure of your contracts determines the freedom of your art.

Ready to discover trusted professionals? Browse our complete directory of top-rated entertainmentlaw experts in the Los Angeles area today.