TEN Tells Billboard He Is 'Starting Again From Zero' After Leaving SM, Preparing a New Album Under ILLIMNT
In a Billboard interview published Nov. 12, TEN explained why he left SM Entertainment, said he is preparing a new album with his own agency ILLIMNT, and said he still plans to join NCT activities.
TEN is opening up about life after SM Entertainment. In an interview Billboard published on Nov. 12, the Thai singer, a member of NCT and WayV, said his new chapter with his own creative agency ILLIMNT feels like a reset: "It's like I'm starting again from zero."
Billboard reported that TEN left SM in April and has since released the English-language EP 'OUTWEST' and wrapped his first U.S. solo showcase tour across 14 venues on Nov. 10, with plans to return in 2027 as part of a more expansive world tour.
Asked why he left, TEN said the decision was not about how things were going with his old company: he realized he had many ideas and visions he wanted to try and wanted to write a story of his own. He said ILLIMNT is now six months old, that he is preparing a new album, and that he now brings the concept, message and music video ideas himself, where at SM those were prepared for him.
TEN said his NCT bandmates were supportive and told him to do what he wants, adding that "we're still a team" and that they will make time for a comeback or events together. He also said the problem of not having rights to perform some of his old songs has been solved, and when Billboard mentioned 'Dream in a Dream', he answered: "Okay, next year let's do that."
Confirmed
- TEN told Billboard: "It's like I'm starting again from zero."
- TEN said ILLIMNT is now six months old and that he is preparing a new album, deciding its concept, message and music video himself.
- TEN said that even though he is doing his own thing, he and NCT are "still a team" and will make time to do a comeback or take part in events together.
- TEN said the issue of rights to some of his older songs has been solved and that he can now perform any song he wants.
Reported by other outlets
- Billboard reported that TEN left SM Entertainment in April and that his 14-city U.S. showcase tour wrapped on Nov. 10, with plans to return in 2027 as part of a larger world tour.
Unconfirmed
- No title or release date for TEN's new album has been announced.