Former SM Entertainment Trainee Rumored To Debut With Public Girlfriend, An Ex-HYBE Idol
The Journey of Anderson: From SM Entertainment to WAYF BOYS
Anderson, a 20-year-old Filipino-Canadian talent, first entered the public eye in 2023 as one of the participants in NCT Universe: LASTART. The reality program was designed by SM Entertainment to select the final members of the newest and last unit of the NCT brand, which eventually debuted as NCT WISH. The stakes of the show were exceptionally high, as it featured 11 trainees competing for only five available spots, joining two pre-selected members, Sion and Yushi.
Throughout the competition, Anderson was noted for his distinct vocal color and stage presence, qualities that are often prioritized in the SM training system. However, following the conclusion of the show and the finalization of the NCT WISH lineup, Anderson’s status within the company remained a subject of speculation. While some unsuccessful participants remained under the label to join the SMTR25 training project or were rumored for a future boy group, Anderson made the decision to part ways with the agency. This move is indicative of a broader trend where talented trainees choose to seek opportunities in smaller or independent labels rather than waiting years for a potential opening in a major conglomerate’s lineup.
After leaving SM Entertainment, Anderson maintained a presence on social media, specifically Instagram, where he began sharing glimpses of his life outside the rigorous trainee system. It was through these platforms that fans first began to notice his connection with Marquise. Recently, promotional materials and social media activity have confirmed his involvement with WAYF BOYS, a new group that appears to be leveraging a more independent and unfiltered image compared to traditional K-pop ensembles.
Marquise and the Global Expansion of the HYBE System
Parallel to Anderson’s journey is that of Marquise Natcha, a Thai trainee who represented HYBE and Geffen Records in the 2023 global girl group search, The Debut: Dream Academy. The program was a landmark collaboration between a major Korean entertainment powerhouse and a leading American label, aiming to create a global group—now known as KATSEYE—using the K-pop training methodology.
Marquise quickly became a fan favorite, advancing to the final round of the competition. Her elimination just before the formation of the final group was met with significant disappointment from her global fanbase. Despite this setback, her time within the HYBE system provided her with a level of visibility and technical training that made her a highly sought-after free agent.
Following the conclusion of Dream Academy, Marquise returned to Thailand and signed with YUPP! Entertainment, a prominent Thai label known for its hip-hop and pop artists. Her transition reflects the growing "G-pop" or global pop movement, where artists trained in the K-pop system return to their home countries or join international agencies to debut on their own terms. Marquise is currently scheduled to make her official debut via a livestream on June 12, PDT, a move that is highly anticipated by those who followed her journey on the survival show.
Chronology of the Relationship Rumors
The rumors surrounding Anderson and Marquise gained traction in early 2025. Unlike many active K-pop idols who often keep their relationships strictly private to avoid backlash from "parasocial" fandoms, the two have been relatively open about their association. Anderson’s Instagram account, before being recently curated for his upcoming debut, featured photos and interactions that strongly suggested a romantic involvement with Marquise.
- Late 2023 – Early 2024: Both Anderson and Marquise conclude their respective survival shows (NCT Universe: LASTART and Dream Academy). Both exit their major labels (SM and HYBE).
- Mid-2024: Anderson begins building an independent social media presence. Fans notice frequent interactions between him and Marquise on various platforms.
- Early 2025: Speculation reaches a peak as photos of the two together are shared on Instagram. Unlike the typical "scandal" reactions, the response from the international fanbase is largely supportive, citing their status as independent artists as a reason for their freedom to date.
- June 2026: Marquise announces her debut under YUPP! Entertainment. Simultaneously, WAYF BOYS begins an aggressive teasing campaign for their debut, confirming Anderson’s position in the group.
Industry Implications: The End of the "Dating Ban" Era?
The situation involving Anderson and Marquise is a case study in the changing dynamics of the idol industry. Historically, agencies like SM and HYBE have been known to include "dating bans" in their trainee and rookie contracts to maintain the "idealized" image of the artist. However, as the industry globalizes and more trainees from diverse backgrounds (like Anderson’s Filipino-Canadian heritage and Marquise’s Thai roots) enter the system, Western norms regarding personal autonomy are beginning to clash with traditional Korean idol standards.
The fact that Anderson is debuting in WAYF BOYS while being "publicly" linked to another artist suggests that his new management is either embracing a more transparent image or targeting a demographic that is less concerned with the relationship status of their idols. For WAYF BOYS, this could be a strategic branding move to differentiate themselves from the highly polished and often restricted image of Big 4 groups.
Furthermore, the "survival show effect" cannot be understated. Even though neither Anderson nor Marquise won their respective competitions, the exposure they gained provided them with a pre-built, loyal fanbase. This "built-in" audience allows former trainees to bypass the traditional need for extreme gatekeeping of their personal lives, as their fans are often more invested in their personal growth and success across different platforms and agencies.
Analysis of the Post-Survival Show Landscape
The phenomenon of the "successful loser" in survival shows has become increasingly common. In the past, failing to make the final cut in a show like LASTART or Dream Academy might have signaled the end of a trainee’s career or a return to years of obscurity. In the current market, however, these participants are essentially "pre-vetted" stars.
For Anderson, leaving SM Entertainment may have been a calculated risk. By joining WAYF BOYS, he avoids the rigid structure of the NCT system, which, while prestigious, offers less individual creative control. Similarly, Marquise’s move to YUPP! Entertainment allows her to be a "big fish in a smaller pond," where she can be the primary focus of the label’s promotional efforts.
The intersection of their careers and personal lives creates a unique marketing narrative. In the age of social media, authenticity is a valuable currency. A "power couple" of former trainees from rival agencies offers a storyline that is inherently engaging to modern fans who enjoy the "behind-the-scenes" reality of the industry.
Official Responses and Future Outlook
As of June 2026, neither YUPP! Entertainment nor the management behind WAYF BOYS has issued a formal statement confirming or denying the relationship. This silence is typical of the modern approach to idol dating: neither confirming nor denying, but allowing the artists to live their lives semi-openly as long as it does not interfere with their professional commitments.
Marquise’s upcoming livestream on June 12 is expected to draw a significant international audience, many of whom are curious to see if she will address her future plans or her connection to Anderson. Meanwhile, WAYF BOYS continues to release cryptic teasers, including a recent social media post captioned "no shoes on the couch," which has already garnered thousands of engagements.
As these two artists transition from the "trainee" label to "debuted artist," their journey will be closely watched. If they successfully navigate their careers while maintaining a public relationship, they could set a new precedent for future generations of idols. The story of Anderson and Marquise is more than just a rumor; it is a reflection of a maturing industry that is slowly learning to balance the demands of stardom with the personal lives of the individuals behind the music. In the coming months, the success of Marquise’s solo debut and the launch of WAYF BOYS will provide definitive proof of whether the market is ready for a new era of transparency in the K-pop and G-pop spheres.
