{"id":237096,"date":"2026-04-06T09:25:08","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T09:25:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/06\/the-sm-era-is-over-fans-react-as-nct-and-wayvs-ten-announces-departure-from-sm-entertainment-following-mark-lee\/"},"modified":"2026-04-06T09:25:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T09:25:08","slug":"the-sm-era-is-over-fans-react-as-nct-and-wayvs-ten-announces-departure-from-sm-entertainment-following-mark-lee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/06\/the-sm-era-is-over-fans-react-as-nct-and-wayvs-ten-announces-departure-from-sm-entertainment-following-mark-lee\/","title":{"rendered":"&#8220;The SM era is over&#8221;- Fans react as NCT and WayV&#8217;s TEN announces departure from SM Entertainment following Mark Lee"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div id=\"article-content\" data-postid=\"5149744\" data-slug-id=\"2763153\">\n<div class=\"vidazoo-player-container\">\n<span class=\"vidazoo-close-btn  hidden \"><br \/>\n<img data-lazy=\"\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/cmc-predictor\/v2\/cross-icon.png?w=40\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" alt=\"close\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>On April 6, 2026 SM Entertainment announced that TEN\u2019s exclusive contract would conclude on April 8, marking his departure from the company. The agency through the official statement released on Weverse stated that although the singer would no longer be under contract, discussions would continue regarding his participation in future activities with NCT and WayV, depending on scheduling and circumstances.<\/p>\n<p>Following the agency\u2019s statement, the singer addressed fans directly posting letters written in Korean, English and Thai on Instagram stories. In his message, he reassured supporters of his intention to continue promoting as a member of NCT and WayV while expressing his thoughts on the transition.<\/p>\n<p>This development came shortly after <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/k-pop\/news-what-hell-happening-k-pop-fans-shambles-mark-lee-announces-nct-departure-amid-heeseung-danielle-manon-exits-group-hiatus-wave\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-is-sponsored=\"false\">Mark Lee\u2019s announced his departure<\/a> from both SM Entertainment and NCT, adding to a series of recent of several artists previously associated with the agency. Since 2023, several long-associated artists concluded their contracts with the company across different periods, including Super Junior members Kyuhyun, Donghae and Eunhyuk, BoA, Shinee&#8217;s Taemin and Onew, Red Velvet members Wendy and Yeri, Exo&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/k-pop\/news-the-6-care-themselves-kai-sparks-fan-debate-exo-s-new-song-hints-amid-ongoing-feud-sm-entertainment-cbx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-is-sponsored=\"false\">D.O, Baekhyun, Chen and Xiumin<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><template id=\"also-read-articles-template\"><\/p>\n<p><\/template><\/p>\n<p>Amidst this as the news of the Thai singer\u2019s departure circulated, fans expressed confusion and concern over the ongoing changes within SM Entertainment. Many fans expressed surprise at the continued departures and raised concerns about the situation within the company. Some shared uncertainty about the future of artists associated with SM Entertainment. One comment read,<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cThe sm era is over. they really messed up by ignoring one of their most talented groups. i\u2019m rooting for ten and all of nct to find something better\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"sportskeeda-embed\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/k-pop\/twitter-embed\">\n<div class=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/k-pop\/twitter-embed\">\n<div class=\"profile-card\">\n<p><span><span>The sm era is over. they really messed up by ignoring one of their most talented groups. i\u2019m rooting for ten and all of nct to find something better.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The back-to-back exits of two NCT members from the company prompted discussions among fans.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sportskeeda-embed\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/k-pop\/twitter-embed\">\n<div class=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/k-pop\/twitter-embed\">\n<div class=\"profile-card\">\n<p><span><span>First Mark &amp; now TEN, please April Fool\u2019s was a week ago stop this already<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sportskeeda-embed\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/k-pop\/twitter-embed\">\n<div class=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/k-pop\/twitter-embed\">\n<div class=\"profile-card\">\n<p><span><span>i can&#8217;t believe both of your biases are leaving sm at once, it\u2019s such a huge blow. ten is staying with the groups as an independent artist, but mark is officially done with nct altogether.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sportskeeda-embed\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/k-pop\/twitter-embed\">\n<div class=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/k-pop\/twitter-embed\">\n<div class=\"profile-card\">\n<p><span><span>rip sm. they had a goldmine with that group but their negligence ruined everything. good luck to ten and nct with whatever comes next.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Some fans also expressed that with both Mark Lee and TEN departing, it felt like the end of an era for NCT.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sportskeeda-embed\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/k-pop\/twitter-embed\">\n<div class=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/k-pop\/twitter-embed\">\n<div class=\"profile-card\">\n<p><span><span>Big shift for NCT\/WayV fans, TEN parting ways with SM Entertainment is definitely the end of an era, but the fact they\u2019re keeping the door open for WayV and NCT activities gives some hope \ud83d\ude4f Feels like a new chapter rather than a full goodbye\u2026 we will be watching closely \ud83d\udc40\u2728<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sportskeeda-embed\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/k-pop\/twitter-embed\">\n<div class=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/k-pop\/twitter-embed\">\n<div class=\"profile-card\">\n<p><span><span>How did they manage to lose their two most talented members in two days? Rofl<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Fans also shared their messages of support for the artist.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sportskeeda-embed\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/k-pop\/twitter-embed\">\n<div class=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/k-pop\/twitter-embed\">\n<div class=\"profile-card\">\n<p><span><span>Wishing him nothing but freedom, better management, and the career he actually deserves<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sportskeeda-embed\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/k-pop\/twitter-embed\">\n<div class=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/k-pop\/twitter-embed\">\n<div class=\"profile-card\">\n<p><span><span>Whether it\u2019s WayV, NCT, or solo, we\u2019re following him wherever he goes next. End of an era, but the start of a legend! \ud83d\udd1f\ud83d\udc9a<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr\/>\n<h2>TEN to leave SM Entertainment after contract ends, confirms continued participation in NCT and WayV activities<\/h2>\n<p>In their official statement confirming the conclusion of the singer\u2019s exclusive contract, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/k-pop\/news-so-unprofessional-fans-slam-sm-entertainment-riize-s-north-america-concert-gas-south-arena-canceled-2-weeks-show\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-is-sponsored=\"false\">SM Entertainment<\/a> explained that the decision followed mutual discussions about the artist&#8217;s future direction. The agency expressed appreciation for fans\u2019 continued support of WayV and acknowledged the singer\u2019s contributions to both group and solo activities.<\/p>\n<p>It further stated that communication would continue with the artist to explore the possibility of his participation in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/k-pop\/news-what-hell-happening-k-pop-fans-shambles-mark-lee-announces-nct-departure-amid-heeseung-danielle-manon-exits-group-hiatus-wave\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-is-sponsored=\"false\">NCT<\/a> and WayV schedules in the future. The company also conveyed its gratitude for the time spent working with the artist and extended its support for his next chapter, while reaffirming its commitment to WayV\u2019s ongoing promotions.<\/p>\n<p>TEN later on his personal statement posted on Instagram stories, reflected on his decade-long career since debuting with NCT U. He described his journey with NCT, WayV and SM Entertainment as meaningful and expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout the years.<\/p>\n<p>The artist shared that, as he approached his 10th anniversary, he intended to pursue new challenges and explore different opportunities, which led to his decision to conclude his contract after discussions with the company and members. In his message, the singer referred to SM Entertainment as a foundational part of his career and highlighted his pride in growing as an artist under the agency, including being its first Thai artist.<\/p>\n<p>He went on to thank his fellow members, staff and fans for their continued support and acknowledged their role in his growth. The artist confirmed that he plans to continue his activities as a member of NCT and WayV while also focusing on expanding his work as a solo artist. He concluded by asking fans to continue supporting both groups and his future endeavors.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-post-rating-widget\">\n<p><template id=\"post-rating-feedback-modal-template\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"post-rating-feedback-feedback-box\">\n<div class=\"post-rating-feedback-content\">\n<div class=\"post-rating-feedback-data\">\n<p>Why did you not like this content?<\/p>\n<p><textarea id=\"dislike-feedback-text\" rows=\"4\" placeholder=\"Please type your feedback...\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\n<button class=\"close\">Cancel<\/button><br \/>\n<button class=\"submit\">Submit<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/template><\/p>\n<div class=\"post-rating-widget-parent hidden\">\n<div class=\"rating-parent-container\">\n<div class=\"rating-content-holder\">\n<p>Was this article helpful?<\/p>\n<div class=\"post-rating-action-container\">\n<div class=\"like-container\">\n<button class=\"post-rating-like-button post-rating-button\" data-action=\"like\" title=\"like article\"><br \/>\n<img class=\"post-like-image post-rating-image\" data-lazy=\"\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/like-articles\/upvote-icon-grey.svg\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"like selected\"\/><br \/>\n<\/button>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"dislike-container\">\n<button class=\"post-rating-dislike-button post-rating-button\" data-action=\"dislike\" title=\"dislike article\"><br \/>\n<img class=\"post-dis-like-image post-rating-image\" data-lazy=\"\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/like-articles\/upvote-icon-grey.svg\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"avatar selected\"\/><br \/>\n<\/button>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\nThank You for feedback\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"tag-cloud\">\n<div class=\"tags-text\">\n<div class=\"scrollable-content-holder  article-padding\">\n<p class=\"article-p  \">Quick Links<\/p>\n<p><button id=\"pnAdvancerLeft\" class=\"pn-Advancer pn-Advancer_Left \" type=\"button\"><br \/>\n<img style=\"background: none;\" data-lazy=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/skm\/assets\/article\/article-scroll-left.svg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/button><\/p>\n<nav id=\"pnProductNav\" class=\"pn-ProductNav\">\n<\/nav>\n<p><button id=\"pnAdvancerRight\" class=\"pn-Advancer pn-Advancer_Right \" type=\"button\"><br \/>\n<img style=\"background: none;\" data-lazy=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/skm\/assets\/article\/article-scroll-right.svg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/button>\n<\/div>\n<p>More from Sportskeeda<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\n<span class=\"publisher-name\">Edited by Adrija Chakraborty<\/span>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/k-pop\/news-the-sm-era-over-fans-react-nct-wayv-s-ten-announces-departure-sm-entertainment-following-mark-lee\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On April 6, 2026 SM Entertainment announced that TEN\u2019s exclusive contract would conclude on April 8, marking his departure from the company. The agency through the official statement released on Weverse stated that although the singer would no longer be under contract, discussions would continue regarding his participation in future activities with NCT and WayV, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":237097,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6806],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-237096","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-gossip"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/237096","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=237096"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/237096\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/237097"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=237096"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=237096"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=237096"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}