NCT member Winwin (Dong Sicheng) will officially part ways with SM Entertainment, ending his long journey with both the agency and NCT.
On July 8, SM Entertainment announced, “After extensive discussions with our artist Winwin, we have mutually agreed to end his exclusive contract effective July 9. As a result, Winwin will end all his activities as a member of NCT.”
The agency added “We sincerely thank Winwin for spending more than 10 years with us, starting from his internship days. We wish him all the best as he embarks on a new chapter in his career.”
Winwin’s departure marks the third member of NCT to leave SM Entertainment this year. In April, Mark ended his exclusive contract with the company and concluded all activities with NCT 127, NCT Dream and the larger NCT project. Later that same month, Ten also left SM.
However, unlike Winwin, Ten’s departure came with confirmation from SM that the company would continue to coordinate its participation in WayV and NCT Group businesses. In the case of Winwin, the agency has confirmed that it will end all NCT-related activities.
Many fans believe the decision was expected. Winwin stopped participating in NCT 127 promotions at the end of 2018 and gradually shifted its focus towards operations in China. In 2021, he established his personal studio to manage his acting career in the Chinese entertainment industry.
His departure comes as NCT prepares to launch its ambitious 10th anniversary project. SM Entertainment recently unveiled the roadmap for NCT 2026, which will include a new album, concert tour, pop-up events and exhibitions. The company described the project as an effort to reconnect the histories of NCT’s various units while opening the door to the group’s next era.
Winwin has not yet announced its future plans. However, in May, online communities and several foreign media outlets reported rumors that he had signed with a Chinese management company, although those claims have not been officially confirmed.
Sources: Daum
