WinWin Departs NCT and SM Entertainment, Shares Emotional Farewell Letter With Fans

Rumors of WinWin’s departure from NCT and SM Entertainment have circulated widely among K-pop fans, fueled by unconfirmed reports of a new agency signing and speculation surrounding his contract expiration. However, as of July 2026, SM Entertainment has not officially announced WinWin’s exit from either NCT or the label, leaving the status of his membership in a state of ambiguity that has sparked intense fan speculation across social media platforms.

Unconfirmed Reports Link WinWin to Chinese Agency Zhaosen Entertainment

Viral rumors claim that WinWin signed with Zhaosen Entertainment, a Chinese talent agency, though no official confirmation has emerged from either WinWin, SM Entertainment, or the agency itself. The speculation gained significant traction because WinWin’s contract with SM is widely believed to expire in July 2026, and his professional focus has increasingly shifted toward acting projects filmed in China over the past several years.

The timing of these rumors coincides with WinWin’s continued absence from group activities and his focus on drama work. A Weverse notice titled “Notice Regarding the Conclusion of WINWIN’s Exclusive Contract” has circulated online, though SM Entertainment has not verified this notice as an official, current announcement. The notice suggests WinWin would conclude all NCT activities, but without formal confirmation from the label, the notice remains unverified and potentially misinterpreted by fans.

Extended Hiatus From Group Activities Since August 2021

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WinWin has maintained a significant distance from NCT 127 group activities since August 2021, a hiatus now spanning more than four years. During this period, he has remained technically listed as a member of WayV and NCT U but has not participated in major group comebacks or promotional activities, instead dedicating his professional energy to acting commitments in China.

On May 9, 2026, SM Entertainment officially announced that WinWin would not participate in WayV’s June 2026 comeback due to scheduling conflicts with a drama filming project in China. The label cited his acting commitments as the reason for his continued absence, a statement that reinforced his ongoing shift away from K-pop group activities. WinWin subsequently apologized to fans on Instagram, expressing his hope for WayV’s success despite his inability to join the comeback and reaffirming his emotional connection to the group.

Distinction From Mark Lee’s Confirmed Departure

The confusion surrounding WinWin’s status appears partly rooted in mistaken identity with Mark Lee, who recently penned a heartfelt letter to fans after parting ways with NCT and SM Entertainment in July 2026. Mark’s departure marks a confirmed exit from both the group and the label, a development that has been officially acknowledged by SM Entertainment and widely reported across K-pop news outlets.

WinWin’s situation differs fundamentally from Mark’s confirmed departure. While Mark has formally concluded his relationship with SM Entertainment, WinWin’s contract status remains in a gray zone—neither officially renewed nor formally terminated as of the current date. This ambiguity has allowed rumors to flourish, with fans and media outlets conflating the two members’ situations and creating speculation about WinWin’s future that lacks official verification.

Fan Perspectives Reflect Acceptance of WinWin’s Chinese Acting Focus

Within fan communities, particularly on Reddit’s r/NCT forum, discussions acknowledge that WinWin’s professional journey has fundamentally shifted toward China. Fans express understanding that his acting career in the Chinese entertainment industry represents his primary focus, with some noting that WayV has thrived as a five-member group without his participation in recent years.

WinWin’s personal apology message on Instagram demonstrated his emotional investment in maintaining connections with fans despite his physical and professional absence from group activities. His statement conveyed hope for WayV’s continued success while reaffirming his support for his former bandmates, a gesture that resonated with supporters who recognize his commitment to acting pursuits while maintaining respect for NCT’s ongoing projects.

Historical Precedent: Comparing WinWin’s Path to Other NCT Members

WinWin’s extended hiatus and rumored departure follow different trajectories than other NCT members who have recently altered their agency relationships. Ten recently left SM Entertainment but maintained his position within NCT and WayV, while Mark Lee’s departure encompasses both NCT and SM simultaneously. WinWin’s case remains unique due to the unprecedented duration of his hiatus from K-pop group activities—over four years—combined with his sustained focus on Chinese drama projects.

This Historical context illustrates that SM Entertainment has demonstrated flexibility in allowing members to pursue divergent career paths, whether through agency transfers, hiatus periods, or formal departures. WinWin’s situation represents a middle ground that has yet to be formally resolved through official announcement, distinguishing his case from the clearer precedents set by Ten and Mark.

Upcoming Developments and Monitoring Points for Fans

Fans and industry observers should monitor SM Entertainment’s official channels for any formal announcement regarding WinWin’s contract status, particularly as July 2026 progresses and his rumored contract expiration date approaches. WayV’s future lineup announcements and any statements from WinWin himself via social media or official channels will provide clarification on whether his absence represents a temporary hiatus or a permanent departure.

The distinction between rumor and official confirmation remains critical as this situation develops. Until SM Entertainment issues a formal statement regarding WinWin’s departure or contract renewal, his status within NCT and the label remains technically unconfirmed. This ongoing ambiguity underscores the importance of distinguishing between fan speculation and verified information in K-pop news coverage, ensuring that accurate information reaches audiences seeking clarity about one of K-pop’s most enigmatic members’ future trajectory.