On July 8, 2026, SM Entertainment officially announced that idol and actor Winwin (Dong Sicheng) will be parting ways with the agency following the expiration of his exclusive contract.
As a direct result of ending his long-standing contract with the label, Winwin will also conclude all his activities as a member of NCT, marking the end of a major chapter in his music career.
SM Entertainment’s Official Announcement
SM Entertainment released an official statement to address the public and fans regarding the mutual decision reached between the agency and the artist.
In their message, the company expressed gratitude to fans and offered their well wishes for Winwin’s future path:
“Hello, this is SM Entertainment.
We would like to sincerely thank all NCT fans for your continued love and unwavering support.
Following careful discussions with WINWIN, we have mutually agreed to conclude his exclusive contract, effective July 9.
Accordingly, WINWIN will conclude all activities as a member of NCT.
We are deeply grateful to WINWIN, who has been with SM Entertainment for more than 10 years since his trainee days.
We sincerely thank him for the time we have shared together and wholeheartedly support him as he embarks on a new journey.
Thank you.”
Winwin’s Heartfelt Letter to Czennie and WayZenNi
Shortly after the company’s public announcement, Winwin uploaded a personal, emotional letter to his official Instagram account.
Reflecting on his decade-long journey from his trainee period to his dual debuts and global promotions, he shared his deep appreciation for the fans, his agency, and the memories built over the years:
“Hello, this is Winwin.
From 2016 to 2026- 10 years have passed by so fast.
Looking back on the past decade, I wanted to write this letter from the bottom of my heart.
From starting out as a trainee to debuting as a member of NCT 127 and later WayV, I’m simply filled with gratitude for all the people I’ve met and the precious connections I’ve made over the past 10 years.
Sometimes I look through old photos from years ago, and every single picture brings back countless memories and the stories behind them.
There were certainly times when I was exhausted and days when I faced setbacks and hardships.
But even more than that, what remains in my heart are the many moments filled with happiness, joy, and unforgettable emotions.
Even though time has passed, those small but precious memories have always been my greatest source of strength.
They gave meaning to every step I took and ultimately became the driving force that made me who I am today.
When I was still young and inexperienced, SM gave me the opportunity to debut as a member.
They also gave me the chance to stand on stages around the world and meet all of you.
From the very first moment 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 never would have had the chance to meet the countless people who recognized me, supported me, and loved me.
These past 10 years will remain one of the most precious chapters of my life for years to come.
Lastly, I’d like to sincerely thank Czennie, WayZenNi, and every fan who has been by my side throughout this journey.
I hope the past decade will remain a warm, beautiful, and unforgettable memory for all of you as well.
Moving forward, I’ll never forget the dream I had when I first started. I’ll continue to do my very best with the same unwavering heart and keep growing into a better version of myself.
To everyone reading this letter, I wish you peace, happiness, and good fortune.
I sincerely hope all of your dreams come true.
Thank you.”
Winwin originally entered the K-pop scene in July 2016 when he debuted as a member of NCT’s Seoul-based unit, NCT 127.
He later joined WayV, NCT’s Chinese unit, for its debut in January 2019. In late 2021, Winwin established his own personal studio in China to manage his individual schedule, gradually shifting his core focus toward acting in Chinese dramas and participating in popular television variety shows.
This official contract conclusion formalizes the transition, leaving behind ten years of shared memories with NCTzens and WayZenNis worldwide.
