The K-pop world received significant news on July 10, 2026, as SM Entertainment officially confirmed that Winwin (Dong Sicheng), a prominent member of NCT and its China-based sub-unit WayV, would not be renewing his exclusive contract with the agency. The decision marks the end of a ten-year journey that began with his trainee days, culminating in his debut and successful career as a multifaceted idol. His contract is officially set to conclude on July 9, 2026, making this announcement a formal statement of his impending departure from both SM Entertainment and his respective groups. Following the agency’s confirmation, Winwin personally addressed his fanbase, NCTzens and WayZenNis, through a heartfelt, extensive letter shared across his personal social media platforms, providing an intimate glimpse into his reflections on the past decade and his aspirations for the future.
A Decade of Dedication: Winwin’s Journey with SM Entertainment
Dong Sicheng, professionally known as Winwin, first captured public attention as a trainee under SM Entertainment, one of South Korea’s "Big Three" entertainment agencies. Born on October 28, 1997, in Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China, Winwin’s background in traditional Chinese dance from a young age made him a standout prospect. He was scouted by SM Entertainment in 2013 and subsequently moved to South Korea to embark on an intensive training regimen, a period that typically involves rigorous vocal, dance, acting, and language instruction, often lasting several years before a debut. This foundational period, which Winwin referenced in his letter, is a crucial, often unseen, phase that shapes an idol’s entire career.
His journey to the spotlight truly began in 2016 when he was introduced as a member of SM Rookies, a pre-debut training team for young trainees. Later that year, he made his official debut with NCT, a revolutionary boy group concept characterized by its unlimited members and multiple sub-units based in various cities worldwide. Winwin initially debuted with NCT U, participating in the song "Without You" (Chinese version), before becoming a core member of NCT 127, the Seoul-based unit, in July 2016 with their debut mini-album "NCT #127" and its lead single "Fire Truck." Within NCT 127, he was recognized for his elegant dance lines, distinctive visuals, and quiet charm, quickly garnering a dedicated fanbase.
The strategic expansion of NCT led to the formation of WayV in 2019. WayV, operating under SM Entertainment’s China-exclusive label, Label V, was specifically designed to target the lucrative Chinese market, featuring an all-Chinese lineup. Winwin’s inclusion in WayV was a natural fit, leveraging his native language and cultural background. He actively participated in WayV’s initial releases, including "Regular" (Chinese version) and "Take Off," playing a significant role in establishing the unit’s identity and success in Greater China. This transition, while strategically sound, also marked a period where Winwin’s activities with NCT 127 became less frequent, signaling SM Entertainment’s evolving strategy for its global artists and their respective markets.
The Heartfelt Farewell: A Letter of Gratitude and Future Promise
In the wake of the official announcement, Winwin chose to communicate directly with his fans, publishing a lengthy and poignant letter on his personal social media accounts. The letter, penned with evident sincerity, served as both a retrospective on his time with SM Entertainment and a forward-looking statement regarding his future. "10 years have passed so quickly," Winwin began, reflecting on a decade that encompassed his formative years as a trainee through to his established career as an idol. This opening sentence immediately set a tone of nostalgia and introspection, resonating deeply with fans who had witnessed his growth.
He elaborated on his journey, recalling the progression from a budding trainee to debuting with NCT 127 and subsequently with WayV. "I was filled with gratitude for everyone I’ve met and the precious relationships that have been formed over the last 10 years," he wrote, emphasizing the human connections that underpinned his professional life. This sentiment highlights the unique bond formed within K-pop groups and between artists and their support staff, a often overlooked but critical aspect of their careers.
Winwin openly admitted that reviewing old photographs from his career with SM Entertainment evoked a flood of emotional memories. He candidly acknowledged both the "exhaustion and difficult days" and the "joy and happiness" he experienced. This balanced perspective is crucial, as it provides a realistic portrayal of the idol life, which, while glamorous, is also notoriously demanding. His assertion that all memories, irrespective of their nature, constituted valuable experiences underscores his maturity and resilience. He firmly stated that these collective experiences served as his "greatest strength" in navigating his career as an idol. "Since the first time I stepped on stage as an SM artist until now, I know I wouldn’t be the person I am today without those experiences, and I would never have had the opportunity to meet so many people who love me," he affirmed, linking his personal evolution directly to his time with the agency. He concluded this segment by declaring, "These past ten years will remain one of the most precious chapters of my life for years to come."
The latter part of his letter was dedicated to his loyal fans, NCTzens and WayZenNis. He expressed profound gratitude, hoping that "all the moments shared over the past 10 years will remain warm memories." This direct address acknowledged the emotional investment of his fanbase and sought to provide comfort and reassurance during a period of significant change. Crucially, Winwin also articulated his commitment to his future, vowing "not to forget my original dreams" and to "continue to do my best with a steadfast heart and continue to evolve into a better version of myself." He extended his well wishes to his readers, hoping for "peace, happiness, and good fortune," and concluding with a heartfelt desire for "all your dreams come true." This letter, devoid of any negativity or regret, instead conveyed a sense of closure, gratitude, and hopeful anticipation for the next phase of his life and career.
Broader Context: The K-Pop Industry and Artist Departures
Winwin’s decision to not renew his contract aligns with several evolving trends within the highly competitive K-pop industry. The standard K-pop idol contract typically spans seven years, a duration often referred to as the "7-year curse," due to the high number of groups that disband or experience member changes around this mark. While Winwin’s journey from trainee to active artist spanned a decade, his formal contract period as an active idol would have been closer to the seven-year mark by 2023-2024, with the announcement coming ahead of the 2026 expiry. This timeframe is often a critical juncture where artists, having gained experience and maturity, re-evaluate their career trajectories, often seeking more creative autonomy or pursuing individual interests outside of group activities.
SM Entertainment, in particular, has a documented history of significant artist departures, especially involving foreign members. Over the years, prominent figures like Kris, Luhan, and Tao from EXO, as well as Henry and Zhou Mi from Super Junior-M, all Chinese members, eventually left the agency to pursue careers primarily in mainland China. These instances highlight the unique challenges and opportunities faced by non-Korean idols in the K-pop system, who often find immense success and greater control over their careers by returning to their home countries. Winwin’s trajectory, which saw him increasingly engage in acting projects in China even while still under SM Entertainment, fits this pattern. His notable roles in Chinese dramas such as "The Shadow" and "Sweet and Cold" showcased his potential beyond music and hinted at a burgeoning acting career.
The K-pop industry itself is witnessing a paradigm shift where individual artists are increasingly empowered to make choices that align with their personal and professional growth, rather than being solely bound by group obligations. This trend reflects a broader maturation of the industry, where fan expectations are also evolving to support artists’ individual endeavors, provided the communication is transparent and respectful.
Implications and Future Outlook
Winwin’s departure carries significant implications for all parties involved: Winwin himself, NCT, WayV, and SM Entertainment.
For Winwin, this move undoubtedly signifies a pivot towards a more independent career path, likely centered on his acting career in China. With a solid foundation of existing acting credits, he is well-positioned to capitalize on his established fame and talent in the vast Chinese entertainment market. This allows him greater creative freedom, control over his schedule, and potentially a broader range of roles than might have been available under a K-pop agency contract. While a solo music career is not out of the question, his recent activities strongly suggest acting will be his primary focus. His promise to "not forget my original dreams" could also imply a continued involvement in creative arts, albeit in a new capacity.
For NCT and WayV, Winwin’s absence will necessitate adjustments. NCT, with its "unlimited" member concept, is designed to absorb member changes more fluidly than traditional K-pop groups. However, Winwin was an original member of NCT 127 and a foundational member of WayV, contributing significantly to both units’ initial success and unique charm. His distinctive dance style and visual presence were integral to WayV’s identity. While WayV has continued to promote successfully with five members in his reduced absence, his official departure marks a definitive end to his participation in future group activities. SM Entertainment will need to carefully manage the group’s narrative and future concepts to maintain momentum, particularly in the Chinese market. The symbolic impact of an original member’s departure, even from a flexible group like NCT, will undoubtedly resonate with long-time fans.
For SM Entertainment, the non-renewal highlights the ongoing challenge of retaining foreign artists, especially those with strong market appeal in their home countries. It underscores the need for agencies to offer flexible contracts and diversified career paths that accommodate artists’ evolving aspirations. While SM has a robust pipeline of new talent, the loss of a globally recognized figure like Winwin, who contributed to their expansion efforts in China, represents a minor strategic recalibration. The agency will continue to invest in WayV and other NCT units, adapting its strategies for regional markets.
For NCTzens and WayZenNis, the news is bittersweet. While a sense of loss and nostalgia is natural, the overwhelming sentiment appears to be one of support for Winwin’s personal and professional growth. His heartfelt letter served to soften the blow, providing fans with a sense of closure and an understanding of his motivations. Many fans have expressed hopes for his success in his future endeavors, signaling a mature and supportive fandom culture that prioritizes the artist’s well-being. The "warm memories" he wished for them will likely serve as a comforting reminder of his contributions to NCT and WayV.
Winwin’s departure from SM Entertainment and NCT/WayV, effective July 9, 2026, marks the end of a significant chapter and the beginning of a new one. His journey, from a promising trainee to a beloved idol, is a testament to his dedication and talent. As he embarks on this new phase, likely focusing on his flourishing acting career in China, he carries with him the gratitude for a decade of experiences and the unwavering support of a global fanbase, ready to witness his continued evolution.