NCT Member’s Rumored Career Move “Confirms” His Departure

His contract is set to end in 2026.

Earlier this year, it was announced that Mark Lee would leave NCT and SM Entertainment.

NCT Members React To Mark Lee’s Departure

Since then, it was also announced that Ten would leave SM Entertainment, though he would remain a member of NCT and WayV. Amid discussions about the group, many turned to their alleged contract expiration dates as an indication of more possible departures.

nct contract expiration:

2026
apr: ten, mark
jul: yuta, winwin, haechan
ags: renjun, jeno, jaemin, chenle, jisung

2027
jan: johnny
oct: jaehyun, doyoung
(member contract periods are extended for korean members during their mandatory military service) pic.twitter.com/yy0JaQwxYf

— an (@wayizhuo) April 3, 2026

Several members’ contracts will be ending in in 2026, and one members’ supposed actions have caused contract termination rumors to resurface again.

WayV member Winwin has not been active in Korea for some time, mainly focusing on acting in China, leading to major speculations about his position within NCT, only increased by him not being mentioned in the anniversary pop-up.

In China, Winwin’s activities were not managed by SM Entertainment, and the idol has a studio of his own set-up, along with being signed to Yuekai Entertainment. However, a viral rumor has claimed that the idol signed with Zhaosen Entertainment.

🍉 #DongSicheng has signed with Zhaosen Entertainment, founded by Nie Xinyuan. Current artists of the agency: He Shiyu, Shen Jiayu, Li Yuzhen, Wang Ding. pic.twitter.com/5e7getJAgy

— ForCdrama (@ForCdrama) May 27, 2026

While it is considered a rumor, the ongoing situation, including Winwin contract expiration potentially taking place in July, many have reacted. The idol also held a dual contract with Yuekai, which makes this rumored career move all the more confusing to some.

damn,, it was nice having u while we could,, hope to see you do some great things at this new company https://t.co/BgCD9vJKoH

— doieswife ! (@snwydoie) May 27, 2026

i guess he’s never coming back from china… https://t.co/q1Dm6dqxEh

— 𖦹 mushu | shinhaeng debut (@daeyoungzen) May 27, 2026

ohhh we're getting the announcement soon 🤭 https://t.co/smOsoRJtlf

— riri ♡ (@krieytx) May 27, 2026

NCT