NCT Winwin to Leave Group and SM Entertainment on July 9, 2026

Winwin will officially conclude his exclusive contract with SM Entertainment and leave NCT on July 9, 2026. This decision follows extensive discussions regarding his future career path. Upon contract termination, Winwin will cease all group-related activities.

The Chinese artist has been a prominent figure within the NCT brand for a decade, from his time as a trainee through his debut and activities in sub-units NCT 127 and WayV. In a personal letter, Winwin reflected on his tenure from 2016 to 2026 as a period of significant growth and joyful milestones.

His departure transitions him from a group member to a solo artist, marking a major shift for the WayV lineup as he prepares to pursue his original professional goals independently.

Key Facts

• Winwin and SM Entertainment mutually agreed to conclude his exclusive contract effective July 9, 2026.
• The artist will officially leave NCT and stop all group-related activities immediately following the termination.
• Winwin’s career with the company spanned ten years, from his start as a trainee in 2016 to his departure in 2026.
• During his tenure, he was a member of both NCT 127 and the China-based unit WayV.
• In a letter to fans, he described his experiences traveling the world and performing on stage as his most precious memories.

Key Terms

• NCT 127: A Seoul-based sub-unit of NCT, of which Winwin was an original member.
• WayV: The China-based sub-unit of NCT through which Winwin conducted a significant portion of his recent musical activities.

Key Quote

"The past 10 years will remain in my life for a long time as my most precious memories. I will not forget the dreams I first held, and I will become a Winwin who does his best with an unchanging heart and grows even more." — Winwin

Next

• Winwin will officially cease all NCT-related schedules starting July 9, 2026.
• The artist intends to continue his career independently, focusing on further growth and his long-held professional dreams.