SM Entertainment confirms Winwin’s departure
SM Entertainment announced on Tuesday, July 8, 2026, that Winwin will officially leave both NCT, WayV and the company after reaching a mutual agreement to end his exclusive contract. According to the company’s statement posted on the Weverse pages for WayV and NCT 127, the contract will conclude on July 9, 2026, bringing an end to nearly ten years with the agency. Winwin first joined SM Entertainment as a trainee before making multiple debuts in different groups, beginning his journey with NCT 127 in 2016. He later expanded his activities by joining NCT U, the China-based unit WayV, and special projects, including NCT 2018 and NCT 2020. His departure makes him the latest member to leave the company during a period of major changes for NCT fans, who have already said goodbye to Mark Lee and Ten.
“Following careful discussions with Winwin, we have mutually agreed to conclude his exclusive contract, effective July 9. Accordingly, Winwin will conclude all activities as a member of NCT,” the posts said. Read it in full below:
Winwin officially leaves SM Entertainment after 10 years. pic.twitter.com/qQQesofz8N
— Let's WINWIN (@soonyunqi) July 8, 2026
The singer shares a heartfelt message with fans
Following the announcement, Winwin took to social media to share an emotional letter, thanking fans for supporting him throughout his decade-long career as part of the NCT projects. He reflected on the memories created over the past decade and described those years as one of the most meaningful chapters of his life. He also expressed his gratitude to everyone who stood by him and promised to continue working hard in the future.
WINWIN Weibo & Instagram Update
Hello everyone, I'm WINWIN, Dong Sicheng.
From 2016 to 2026, ten years have passed. I wanted to sincerely write these words as a proper reflection on the past decade of my life.
Over these ten years, I went from being a trainee to a member of… pic.twitter.com/RwbPc6ffvl
— WayV Airlines ✈︎❄️ (@WayV_Airlines) July 8, 2026
“From starting out as a trainee to debuting as a member of NCT 127 and later WayV, I’m simply filled with gratitude for all the people I’ve met and the precious connections I’ve made over the past 10 years,” he said, according to a translation by Soompi.
Recent departures continue to reshape NCT
Mark, Ten, Lucas and WinWin have all left SM Entertainment this year. pic.twitter.com/4EehAtdl3D
— About Music (@AboutMusicYT) July 8, 2026
Winwin becomes the third member to leave SM Entertainment and the second to officially depart from NCT in recent months. In April 2026, Mark Lee announced that he was leaving both the agency and the group and announced the launch of his own company, Upper Room. Shortly afterward, Ten also finished his exclusive contract with SM Entertainment while remaining open to future opportunities with WayV and NCT.
