WINWIN Leaves SM Entertainment to Focus on Chinese Career

WINWIN, the 28‑year‑old singer and actor, has decided to end his long‑standing contract with Seoul’s SM Entertainment after it expires next month. The Chinese star has been on an indefinite pause from his NCT groups—NCT 127, NCT U and WayV—since 2021, when he shifted his attention to acting back home. SM Entertainment made the announcement on its Weverse platform, thanking fans for their support and confirming that WINWIN’s group activities will finish on July 9. The agency expressed deep gratitude for the decade of collaboration and pledged full backing as he pursues new projects. WINWIN first joined NCT in 2016, performing with the rotating unit U and the Tokyo‑based 127 until 2018. He later joined WayV, the Chinese sub‑unit, in 2019. In early 2021 he returned to China, founded Beijing Zhaoyao Culture Media Studio and stepped away from music to concentrate on acting.

His screen debut came with the romantic drama “Sweet Games, ” followed by roles in “Snowfall, ” “Perfect Match” and “A Splendid Match. ” He also appeared in the film “Blades of the Guardians” and has three more dramas lined up. While WINWIN departs, other original members face contract renewals after ten years. Some—like former NCT Dream leader Mark Lee—have left to launch independent ventures, while Thai idol TEN has chosen a solo label yet remains with NCT for group work. Korean members’ contracts are paused due to mandatory military service obligations. WINWIN will continue his solo work through his own studio and Yuekai Entertainment, focusing on projects in China.

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