Dong Sicheng, best known by his stage moniker Winwin, is officially the latest member to depart from the K-pop formation NCT and its parent company and label, SM Entertainment.
News of Winwin's departure from both NCT and SM broke on July 8, when the label posted an official statement on WayV and NCT 127's Weverse notice boards confirming the conclusion of his exclusive contract. “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,” the posts read.
“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,” the statement concluded.
After a stint as a trainee, Winwin officially debuted under SM Entertainment in 2016 as a member of subunit NCT 127. In 2018, he also debuted in NCT U and later in the China-based subunit WayV. He was also part of other project groups, such as NCT 2018 and NCT 2020. With his confirmed exit, Winwin becomes the third member to leave SM Entertainment and the second member to willingly leave NCT in recent months.
Back in April, Mark Lee also announced his departure from both NCT and SM Entertainment following the culmination of his exclusive contract. The Canadian later set up the label Upper Room on his own. Just days after, it was announced that Ten would also be leaving SM Entertainment, though he'd “stay in close communication” with SM “to explore opportunities to participate in WayV and NCT activities” in the future.
Soon after news of Winwin's departure from SM broke, he posted a statement on his Instagram account in Korean, addressing fans directly. “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,” the statement reads, per a translation by Soompi.
“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," the note continues. “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.”
Winwin ended his letter thanking fans of both NCT and WayV for their support and vowing to “keep growing into a better version of myself.”
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