WinWin is officially leaving SM Entertainment, NCT, and WayV. On July 8, 2026, SM Entertainment announced that WinWin’s exclusive contract will end on July 9 after mutual discussions. With that, his activities as a member of NCT and WayV will also come to a close, wrapping up a decade with the company.
Company’s Official Statement
On July 8, SM Entertainment posted a notice regarding the conclusion of WINWIN’s exclusive contract. SM Entertainment said that after careful discussions, both the company and WinWin had reached a mutual decision to terminate his exclusive contract. With the contract ending, WinWin will officially wrap up all ongoing and future activities as a member of NCT. The announcement marks the end of a partnership that lasted more than 10 years, beginning back from his days as an SM trainee. SM Entertainment thanked him for his hard work and wished him the best in the future.
Following the announcement, WinWin posted a touching letter on his personal Instagram on July 8.
WinWin’s Handwritten Letter
WinWin looked back on his rapid decade-long career from 2016 to 2026, expressing immense gratitude for his transition from a trainee to a member of both NCT 127 and WayV. He admitted that the journey was hard, tiring, and frustrating at times, but he said the happiness and joy he found are what keep him going. Winwin thanked everyone for giving a young and inexperienced artist the chance to debut, travel the world, and meet fans, noting that those pivotal experiences shaped who he is today. He made sure to thank Czennies and WayZenNis, wishing that the past decade holds the same warm, unforgettable memories for them as it does for him. WinWin promised fans that he will keep working hard, stay true to his original dreams, and keep growing with a steady heart moving forward.
Where WinWin’s Career Began
In 2013, an SM casting manager spotted WinWin outside the Beijing Dance Academy (his secondary school), where he was specializing in traditional Chinese dance. WinWin was hesitant because he didn’t trust strangers and was busy focusing on his intense dance training. To politely get rid of the scouts, he repeatedly gave them fake or wrong phone numbers whenever they approached him.
SM Entertainment’s casting team was so mesmerized by his talent, visuals, and elite dance background that they did not give up. Agents spent roughly two years pursuing him, flying back and forth between Seoul and Beijing nine separate times purely to meet with him and convince his family to let him join. WinWin eventually agreed to visit South Korea for a two-week trial.
That experience sparked his desire to become a performer, leading him to officially sign with the agency, train for a year, and debut with NCT 127 in 2016. WinWin officially joined WayV when the group was first introduced on December 31, 2018.
Why Was He Not Active in Music Since 2023
Since 2023, he hasn’t been very active with music promotions for WayV or NCT. Back in 2021, he started his own studio, Beijing Zhaoyao Culture Media, to manage his acting career in China. By the time his contract ended, he had already become a successful actor, starring in popular Chinese dramas like Sweet Games, Perfect Match, and A Splendid Match.
SM did not share a detailed reason for the split. But the announcement made it clear that WinWin will now pursue personal activities outside the company. That won’t come as a huge shock to many fans, especially since he has spent recent years focusing heavily on solo schedules and acting work in China.
Reports say that Dong Sicheng will appear in a new drama later this year, which shows his stronger focus on acting. Many fans were sad to see him step back from his group activities, but they were also very proud of his success as an actor. They continue to cheer him on as he pursues his dream and stars in his own dramas.
Fans’ Reaction
Even though some felt a bit sad about ending a 10-year chapter since his 2016 debut, other fans on social media said his departure was long overdue, calling it the right move. Supporters criticized SM Entertainment for years of bad management, pointing out poor promotions, empty schedules, and unfair line and screen time while he was in NCT and WayV. Instead of being sad, fans are celebrating his freedom and are excited to support his future acting and independent career. Fans have flooded social media with congratulatory messages and well-wishes, eagerly supporting his full-time shift to solo acting and his upcoming projects.
People who are sad about this are so weird. For his whole 10 years of career under SM, winwin was mistreated, excluded, ignored, and sabotaged. You guys should be relieved he’s out of that hell hole of a company
Wishing WinWin all the best for his future. Thank you for all the memories with NCT and WayV.
I’m really glad winwin made this decision, especially after seeing how much his career has taken off as an actor and the way his agency treated him. I honestly think this was the right move
A huge chapter comes to an end. Thank you, WinWin, for all the unforgettable moments with NCT and WayV. Wishing you nothing but success and happiness in your next journey.