WinWin Exits SM, NCT
WinWin Officially Departs NCT and SM Entertainment as Contract Concludes in 2026
Key Points
WinWin's exit announcement was published through SM's official channels and Weverse fan platforms confirming the contract conclusion and that he will end all NCT activities as of July 9, 2026.
WinWin's NCT/SM history spans multiple subprojects: he debuted with NCT 127 in 2016, later appeared with NCT U in 2018 and participated in NCT 2018 and NCT 2020 projects before anchoring WayV in 2019.
In 2021, WinWin set up a private studio and shifted focus to acting in China, reducing group activities in K-pop; he has since pursued TV dramas such as Sweet Games and Perfect Match.
WayV's international footprint includes the EP The Vision and the hit Kick Back, with Kick Back earning Best Dance Performance (Chinese) at the Asian Pop Music Awards.
WinWin publicly expressed gratitude and sentiment in a personal post, stating that the past decade has been one of the most precious chapters of his life as he moves forward.
WinWin, known formally as Dong Sicheng, is leaving NCT and SM Entertainment after more than a decade with the company. Korea JoongAng Daily confirmed that his exclusive contract ends on July 9, 2026, following mutual discussions between WinWin and SM.
The departure makes WinWin the third NCT member to leave SM this year, following Mark and Lucas. Teen Vogue noted that Ten also left SM but will stay connected to NCT and WayV under different terms. The exits signal a major reshaping of one of K-pop's largest group structures.
WinWin's Ten-Year Journey Through NCT and WayV
WinWin first debuted with NCT 127 in 2016. He later appeared with NCT U in 2018 and took part in the NCT 2018 and NCT 2020 projects. In 2019, he became a core member of WayV, SM's Chinese-language subunit. In Music Blog reported that he had been with SM since his trainee days, making his tenure more than ten years in total.
WayV built a strong international following during his time there. The group released the EP The Vision and the hit single Kick Back, which won Best Dance Performance (Chinese) at the Asian Pop Music Awards. WinWin was one of the group's most recognizable faces throughout that run.
Acting Career in China Pulled WinWin Away from K-Pop
In 2021, WinWin set up a private studio and began shifting his focus to acting in China. His group appearances slowed as he took on TV drama roles. He starred in projects including Sweet Games and Perfect Match, building a separate career outside K-pop.
That pivot now appears to have been a preview of a full break from SM. allkpop reported that the decision to end his contract came after extensive discussions. SM said it supports his future path as a solo artist and actor.
WinWin Calls the Past Decade 'Most Precious' in Personal Statement
WinWin shared a personal post alongside the official announcement. He said the past decade has been one of the most precious chapters of his life. The statement struck a warm tone, expressing gratitude toward SM, his fellow members, and fans who followed him through NCT and WayV.
SM also released a statement thanking WinWin for his contributions over the years. The company said it hopes for his success going forward. Korea JoongAng Daily noted that all NCT-related activities will officially conclude on July 9, 2026.
NCT Faces a Wave of Departures Reshaping the Group in 2026
WinWin's exit is part of a larger pattern. Mark and Lucas both left SM earlier in 2026. Ten departed SM as well, though he kept ties to NCT and WayV under a separate deal. Three exits from one group in a single year is rare, even by K-pop standards.
Teen Vogue described WinWin as the latest in a string of departures that are fundamentally changing NCT's lineup. The group debuted in 2016 with a rotating, ever-expanding member model. That model now faces its biggest test as key original members move on to independent careers.
Sentiment
Mostly PositivePublishers
18
Articles
4
Reach
22
